Psychologists and their self-mirror: therapy experiences via videoconferencing

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Changes to psychological practice have arisen in recent times with the rise of services being offered online as an alternative to in-person meetings. Videoconferencing is the most widely utilised form of telehealth used by psychologists, and a unique consequence of videoconferencing is that psychologists can see a synchronous self-mirror image during online sessions with clients. Research is yet to investigate psychologists’ experience of the self-mirror in the context of their online work. Method Semi-structured interviews with 16 Australian psychologists were conducted to explore their experiences of the self-mirror during video-conferencing therapy treatment sessions with their clients. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed several unique findings. Results Psychologists reported the presence of their self-mirror image during video conferencing sessions increased self-consciousness in relation to their appearance and presentation. Most reported the self-mirror to be largely distracting and disliked the presence of their own self-mirror image during online therapy sessions with clients. Some psychologists reported that the live time feedback was helpful and informative in modifying non-verbal expressions. Further challenges included uncertainty around client eye contact connection and vulnerability with client exposure to personal environments in the videoconferencing background. Conclusions It is recommended that psychologists regularly evaluate the impact of having their self-mirror view on during video-conferencing sessions with clients.