Self-view and self-mirroring in online group psychotherapy: A consensus qualitative study.

Aims Online group therapy has gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative to face-to-face group therapy. This service evaluation is aimed at assessing how this paradigm shift is received by the patients and how the quality of the provided services is assured and potentially improved. Methods 1. We have retrospectively compared the attendance records from all psychotherapy groups in North Lanarkshire psychotherapy department between two distinct time periods: from November 2018 to January 2019 when only face-to-face groups were available (5 groups, 29 patients) and from November 2021 to January 2022 when only online groups were available (4 groups, 21 patients). 2. In order to prospectively assess patient's views regarding online group therapy, Client Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQ-4, quantitative and qualitative) were distributed to January 2022 groups only. Results 1. The attendance rate was 5% lower in the face-to-face groups (76% vs 81%) while the non-attendance rate was lower by 1% in the online groups (9% vs 8%). The cancellation rate was also smaller by 5% in the online groups (14% to 9%). 2. In regard to the service satisfaction rates in the online groups, 57% of patients who responded, answered that “most of their needs have been met by the online services’’, 71% answered “services helped with their problems somewhat’’, 71% answered “they think they would come back to the program again and 66% answered” they are mostly satisfied with the services received.“The predominant positive aspects of the services according to free text comments were” “communication, understanding, sense of community’’ and the negative aspects that need improvement: “return to face-to-face (71% of answers), need personal interaction’’.* * We have extended the deadline for the acceptance of the responses to 20th of February 2022 due to mailing systems being slowed down by the pandemic. (7 out of 21 questionnaires have been returned) Conclusion Overall the attendance rates between the online and face-to-face group therapy exhibit minor differences. Concerning the patient satisfaction rates they reveal that the majority of patients who receive group therapy online are above-average satisfied with the services, feel that the online therapy provides a sense community but would prefer to return to face-to-face therapy. Further data and studies will be needed to reach more robust conclusions.

Considering the emerging need to face the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, social support, and access to health services, it became a critical issue to adapt to online group settings and create new group interventions to face the developing distress during this time. The aim of the current study is to investigate the main findings on OPGI conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 until March 2022, with a particular focus on: i) the therapeutic group factors; ii) what kind of OPGI works and for whom; iii) settings and emerging dimensions. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review on scientific databases (PsychINFO, PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO) searching for studies published between March 2020 and March 2022. 'Group intervention' or 'group therapy' or 'group treatment' crossed with 'COVID-19' and synonymous, were used as keywords. Internet based intervention was used as an eligibility criteria during the full-text screening. A total of 1326 articles were identified, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Among all studies, with different participants and different orientations, data extracted supported psychological online group interventions as an effective approach to reducing psychological distress and increasing psychological resources in the interpersonal field. Our findings also showed that COVID-19 has led to new needs and issues, that require the investigation of new dimensions for online psychological interventions. Methodological and clinical implications will be discussed through a descriptive table related to setting characteristics. Recommendations are made for future research.

IntroductionSince the beginning of the COVID-19 era, there has been a major shift of psychiatry and psychotherapy practice to the online venues, or what has been broadly known as telepsychiatry. A practice that has been very practical since then. And yet, there has been a debate about the patients’ degree of satisfaction with the therapeutic process, especially with a modality like group therapy, which has not been widely researched.ObjectivesThe objective of this pilot is to assess the level of patients’ satisfaction among both online and in-person participants of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills group as a part of comprehensive outpatient DBT program.Methods27 DBT skills group participants completed an online form including demographic data, type and duration of group attended, in addition to the Arabic version of the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale- Revised (STTS-R).ResultsThe majority of the 27 participants were females (88.9%), of which 81.4% were 18-34 years old and 77.4 % at least had a university degree. Among all the participants, 63% were online group attendants versus 37% in-person. The mean total of patient’s satisfaction with the in-person group was 53.5 in comparison to 49.2 in online group participants. Also, 90% of in-person group participants reported that the group helped them in dealing with presenting problem to an extent in comparison to 82.2% of online participants.ConclusionsAlthough the COVID-19 pandemic mandated more use of telepsychiatry, in-person DBT skills group participants reported higher satisfaction of their therapy in comparison to online group participants.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

IntroductionThere is a need within counselling and psychotherapy to ensure their ability to respond to endemic presences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by utilising rapid technological advances without compromising effectiveness. To do so, existing research about online group therapy must be built upon to provide a comprehensive understanding of the efficacious delivery of this therapy modality. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to collate what is currently known in the published and grey literature on online group therapy, using the PRISMA framework. Thirty-three articles were identified as including information regarding facilitating group therapy online. After appraising each article using appropriate quality appraisal tools, a thematic analysis was conducted on the papers, arriving at seven main themes summarising the main findings regarding online versus in-person groups, group planning, counselling micro skills, group processes, ethics, technology, and unique online therapy issues. There is a growing but incomplete body of knowledge that informs the group therapist regarding the ethical delivery of groups online. A more comprehensive review can enable group therapists to feel confident they are across best practice guidelines. Limitations and research implications are considered.

Objectives Although group processes impact significantly on face-to-face group therapy outcomes, it is unclear whether online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) group processes mimic face-to-face group processes, and whether these processes predict positive therapeutic change. This study explores the development of group climate in an online group therapy format and investigates the relationship between group climate dimensions and therapeutic outcomes. Method Participants were 24 individuals with a depressive disorder who participated in an online group CBT intervention. The development of group climate and their relationship to treatment outcomes post-group and at six-month follow-up were examined. Results Findings showed that online group processes developed in a similar manner to those observed in successful face-to-face group CBT interventions and that group climate variables in the online setting played an important role in predicting therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions Our results underscore the importance of a positive working atmosphere and low levels of interpersonal conflict among participants in online group CBT, given their associations with treatment outcomes. KEY POINTSWhat is already known about this topic (1) Group climate is the extent to which a therapy group has a positive working atmosphere, where conflicts are handled constructively, and individuals take responsibility for their own change. (2) Group climate is a predictor of positive outcomes in face-to-face groups. (3) Although online group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an efficient, and effective treatment for depression, there is very little research examining group climate in online group CBT and its association with treatment outcomes. What this study adds (1) Group climate in online group CBT develops in a similar pattern as face-to-face group CBT. (2) A positive working atmosphere and lower levels of perceived conflict at the latter stages of the online group predicted positive outcomes at the end of treatment. (3) A positive working atmosphere, lower levels of conflict, and lower avoidance of personal responsibility for change at the end of treatment predicted positive outcomes at the six-month follow-up.

Although telepsychiatry is not new, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically boosted and legitimized it, especially in the field of group therapy. Group therapists have been forced to move online without enough training in leading online groups. Online groups are not the same as meeting in person and present specific obstacles and challenges that should either be compensated for or acknowledged as losses. In this article, the author summarizes these obstacles, identifying factors in group therapy, such as body-to-body interaction, that are absent online and suggesting ways to compensate for other differences, such as the therapist's reduced control over the setting. Surprisingly, some group members may benefit from online groups more than from in-person ones, but the online format is not for everyone. Research on online therapy has already shown this format's effectiveness, and the therapeutic alliance that is positively correlated with outcome seems to be achievable online as well. However, more research is needed, especially on cohesion in online groups, which seems to develop slower online.

There is a necessity to enhance psychotherapeutic treatment approaches for older adults with depression, particularly those exhibiting comorbid anxiety, in both clinical practice and healthcare provision. The aim of the clinical study VISION-AGE is to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of an age-sensitive online group psychotherapy for adults aged 68 + with clinically significant depression (with or without anxiety). In a two-arm randomised controlled trial, the hypothesis that enriched life-review therapy, offered in a video-conference group setting, is superior to an active control group, will be tested. Following randomisation into the intervention or control group, all participants attend weekly manual-guided online group sessions for 20 weeks (plus four additional individual meetings) in fixed groups of four participants. In the intervention group, participants are administered psychotherapy, with a focus on promoting self- and developmental regulation strategies (i.e., positive self-perceptions of ageing next to reminiscence, life management and life planning). The active control group takes part in a standardised non-clinical discussion programme promoting peer support and socializing, similar to typical social care services for older adults. The planned sample size is N = 250 (n = 125 participants per arm). The hypothesized reduction of self-reported depressive symptoms (primary outcome), anxiety as well as clinician-rated depressive symptoms and the hypothesized improvement of psychological well-being (secondary outcomes) will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at the 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, qualitative interviews will be conducted with participants of the intervention group in order to gain a more profound understanding of the subjective change processes experienced during the intervention. VISION-AGE explores the potential of online group psychotherapy to address the needs of older adults with clinical depression. Whilst online therapy facilitates convenient access for patients, group therapy format enables therapists to extend their reach. The study will provide practical implications to improve access to and quality of psychotherapeutic care for this under-resourced population. The long-term objective is the development of a transdiagnostic psychotherapeutic programme that is both efficient and cost-effective, and which is accessible and appealing to older patients in regular mental health care. at The German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS); 13 November 2025 (Identifier: DRKS00038366; https://www.drks.de/DRKS00038366). Scientific title: Efficacy and modes of action of an age-sensitive telehealth group therapy to reduce clinical depression (with and without anxiety) in older adults (VISION-AGE).

In 2020, telehealth and online (video) group therapy became the norm for almost all group psychotherapists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is likely that even after the pandemic many group therapists will continue to practice online, as some group therapists, like online group therapy expert Haim Weinberg, have been doing for years (Weinberg & Rolnick, 2019). While the transition to online group therapy was new for many group therapists, online continuing education related to group therapy may not have been. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of continuing education in group therapy was conducted online. During the pandemic, the availability of online training became especially important as this allowed for the ongoing professional education of group therapists and graduate students trainees. Certainly, 2020 saw an increase in online learning opportunities, including through the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) yearly conference, which was, for the first time, entirely online.

The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting. A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group. Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated. The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely.

[1] To highlight the effectiveness of multi-family psychoeducation group therapy (MFPGT) in children with mood or anxiety disorders; [2] to measure change in knowledge and awareness of mood and anxiety disorders in families and children; and [3] to compare the relative effectiveness of online compared to live MFPGT. Participants included families of children (12 years or younger) referred with a mood or anxiety disorder to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Queen's University (n=16) who were on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist. Change was measured through questionnaires for all parents before and after the program. Using SPSS v22, comparisons between the online (n=6) and live (n=10) groups were made using the Mann-Whitney U test and within group comparisons were made using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The online and live education groups showed similar overall improvements in knowledge acquisition and expressed emotion in participating families. However, statistical significance must be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. Online MFPGT may be an effective way to increase knowledge, provide resources and support and build on skills thus giving individuals more control and confidence when dealing with a mood or anxiety disorder while on a waitlist. MFPGT showed equal efficacy in live and online groups, indicating that the online program has the potential to be a more convenient and accessible program for families. More research is needed with a greater sample size.

BackgroundBlended group therapy combines group sessions with Web- and mobile-based treatment modules. Consequently, blended group therapy widens the choice within blended interventions at reasonable costs. This is the first qualitative study on blended group therapy.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the patient-centered feasibility of blended group therapy for major depression, with special emphasis on the fit and dynamic interplay between face-to-face and internet-based elements.MethodsA total of 22 patients who had a variety of experiences through participating in one of the two blended group therapy interventions were interviewed following a semistructured interview guide. In-depth interviews were analyzed by three trained psychologists, using thematic analysis and a rule-guided internet-based program (QCAmap). The transcript of the interviews (113,555 words) was reduced to 1081 coded units, with subsequent extraction of 16 themes.ResultsWeb- and mobile-based elements were described as a treatment facilitator and motivator, increasing the salience and consolidation of cognitive behavioral therapy materials, resulting in in- and inter-session alignment to the treatment. Additionally, patients valued the option of intimate Web-based self-disclosure (by lateral patient-therapist communication), and therapists were provided with tools for between-session monitoring and reinforcement of exercising. In this context, group phenomena seemed to back up therapists’ efforts to increase treatment engagement. The dissonance because of noncompliance with Web-based tasks and the constriction of in-session group interaction were considered as possible negative effects. Finally, issues of tailoring and structure seemed to fulfill different preconditions compared with individual therapy.ConclusionsBlended group therapy constitutes a structured and proactive approach to work with depression, and the integration of both modalities initiates a beneficial interplay. Results support the patient-centered value of blended group therapy and provide the first insight into blended group therapy’s role in fostering therapeutic treatment factors. However, potential negative effects should be considered carefully.

With the availability of online forums for every mental health concern, more and more individuals are turning to the Internet for psychotherapy and support. There are many people who could benefit from a traditional psychotherapy group, but who would prefer to participate in an online group. In common with other applications of distance therapy methods, online groups have the potential to serve those who are unwilling or unable to participate in a face-to-face group. There are those for whom a face-to-face therapy experience is a geographical or physical impossibility, they may feel alienated from others or face possible stigma in seeking mental health services, or they may live in a rural community without readily available group therapy. In the online world, there are fewer limitations due to physical boundaries, and joining an online group can be a way to experience a clinical service in a direct, immediate and asynchronous way that adapts to the quickly changing nature of modern communication.KeywordsSupport GroupBulletin BoardOnline GroupOnline Support GroupCancer Support GroupThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Tangolo and Massi offer a complete manual for transactional analysis (TA)-based group therapy. Group Therapy in Transactional Analysis demonstrates the evolution of TA as a relational psychodynamic therapy rich in clinical experiences both within individual and group settings. The authors outline how to select clients, which setting to provide, how to establish contracts, and which techniques to use during group sessions. The book includes a full assessment of research and theory, clearly demonstrating efficacy and taking into account neuroscientific studies on intersubjectivity and the social brain. This is combined with a practical approach which supports therapists from the very first steps to the analysis of more complex interpersonal dynamics and dream analysis in a group setting. Finally, future research directions are discussed, together with an overview of an experiment on online groups in the time of coronavirus. This foundational text will be a key reference for therapists in training and professionals new to the principles of transactional analysis. It will also be of interest to students on psychotherapy training and clinical psychology courses.

The expansion and consolidation of group therapy in online settings has generated, and continues to generate, significant debate, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of this transition. This study aims to explore the main themes and underlying latent dimensions of a psychodynamic group psychotherapy conducted online. Forty-two clinical reports from a group of nine patients who participated in the first nine months of online group therapy were analyzed using qualitative textual analysis with T-Lab software. The analysis was carried out in two phases to capture both differences and the longitudinal development of the therapeutic process, comparing T1 (the first four months of therapy) and T2 (months four through nine). Utilizing the Psychodynamic Analysis of Narratives for Multiple Interpretative Levels (PAMIL), the study identified key latent themes, including the formation of the therapeutic alliance, the development of group cohesion, and the processes of sharing and comparing emotional experiences. The qualitative analysis of clinical session reports proved to be an effective method for investigating the less explicit dimensions of group dynamics in the online setting. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the specific processes activated in virtual psychodynamic group therapy and underscore the value of narrative material as a tool for both clinical and research purposes.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of online group meetings for breast cancer patients in the active phase of treatment. The group therapy sessions took place weekly, synchronously, online, on Zoom, with a total of 12 meetings lasting about 2.5 h per session, between December 2021 and February 2022. We analyzed the topics of discussion chosen by the participants, the structure of the group, the results obtained at the main scales of evaluation/monitoring of quality of life and the motivation of patients to participate in the therapeutic group. All patients were in the active phase of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.). The main goal of the group therapy was to reduce the stress related to the disease. Material and methods: Systematic observations included ABS psychological tests, EQ-5D-5L, HADS—Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Recurrence Fear Questionnaire; the questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of the therapeutic intervention; the participation in the therapy and in the research of the patients began after signing the informed consent document; the intervention was evaluated at the end using a feedback questionnaire. The group was closed, and the participants signed an informed consent document and agreed to have the sessions recorded. Results: Comparing the initial with the final results of the psychological tests administered, there was an improvement in the quality of life of the participants in all areas, with a clinically significant decrease in the areas of pain and depression, along with an increase in perception of well-being, a decrease in FoP scores and an increase in the level of rationality about the disease. Conclusions: Group therapy for cancer patients was useful in improving the quality of life; the closed group, even online, provided a safe environment in which they could share feelings. A close correlation was noted between the scores obtained on the FoP-Q and HADS scales. It is evident that there is a strong relationship between FoP and depression. Results on these scales correlated well with results on the EQ-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire.