Psychodynamic psychotherapists online presence- conceptual considerations & survey study

Abstract

Digital technologies have significantly increased the internet presence of psychodynamic psychotherapists (pdp) and thus fundamentally changed the framework of psychodynamic treatments. There is a lack of data on how pdp shape their online presence in relation to their psychodynamic anonymity as well as the possibility of self-expression. The use of the internet for communication and self-expression is increasingly being integrated into everyday life by the younger generation, which also applies to young pdp in training and young patients. During the 51st IPA Congress (July 24–27, 2019), an explorative paper-pencil survey was conducted on 50 pdp using a self-constructed questionnaire regarding their own online presence. A large proportion of those questioned (m: 88%, f: 70%) stated that their psychodynamic work had an impact on what they actually revealed about themselves online. Nonetheless, about half of the test persons stated that they were present online through photos (50%), social media such as facebook (54%) or scientific articles (54%). People who are younger than 50 years old differ from older people in that younger people use digital media significantly more and more frequently. Respondents over the age of 50 are significantly more likely to assume that pdp who share too much information online are ‘bad pdp’ than those under 50. These data suggest a discrepancy between the pdp‘s ideal and the pdp’s actual behaviour. In our opinion, the pdp’s decision to share information about themselves online is not based on an ethical debate and should not be conducted as such, especially in training associations with young pdp. It is about how this information is shared and treated in the psychodynamic process. These themes should be compulsorily anchored in psychodynamic training.