Technology, Transference, and COVID‐19 — With Reference to Davanloo's Intensive Short‐term Dynamic Psychotherapy

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the practice of psychotherapy. Many psychotherapists made a rapid decision to convert to videoconference psychotherapy (VCP) early in the pandemic, but few had effective ‘how to’ instructions in the optimal setup of a VCP practice. Many psychotherapists find VCP to be convenient, practical, and effective in working in various psychodynamic modalities. But others have complained that the true intimacy of the emotional relationship of psychotherapy is lacking on the computer screen. This article seeks to define the optimal VCP setup in a practical way. We also review the literature to date on how technology impacts psychodynamic psychotherapy in general and transference in particular. We discuss the transference from the lens of Davanloo's Intensive Short‐term Dynamic Psychotherapy. We review the existing literature (both pre‐ and post‐pandemic) on the effectiveness of VCP and note the paucity of empirical evidence (specifically randomized controlled trials) to support its use during global pandemics. Despite this lack of evidence, there seems to be enough anecdotal evidence to support that VCP is certainly better than no therapy at all, and in some cases, quite effective in maintaining the parameters of a highly charged and emotionally rich patient/therapist dyad. We support its use and anticipate future research.