Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities have transitioned from traditional face-to-face courses to online learning. Psychology students across multiple programs are now experiencing several challenges that arise with online education. Some psychology courses, such as group psychotherapy, may be difficult for students to manage in an e-learning modality. Nonetheless, the experience of an online group psychotherapy course can aid in the training of psychology students.
Students taking an online group psychotherapy course can expect many obstacles, specifically difficulty establishing group cohesiveness. Challenges may arise from technical complications such as poor Internet connection or camera and audio issues. Observing facial expressions and body language may be difficult for students. These nonverbal cues are essential components of group therapy, specifically for the assessment of participants’ affect and reactions to the discussion. In addition, conducting group sessions through an online learning modality can be inconvenient for the facilitators. Participants may find themselves raising their voices or interrupting others, which can negatively affect the course of the session.
On the other hand, participating in an online group psychotherapy course can offer a rewarding experience for psychologists in training. E-learning modalities prepare psychology students to conduct and become comfortable with providing telehealth services. Online courses allow students to practice conducting group teletherapy services in a safe environment among peers, as well as learn strategies and solutions that can be later applied in practicum.
As student clinicians in the field of psychology, we believe that clinical training needs to adapt to the new demands imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of the learning modality of the group psychotherapy course, students should be trained to provide these services both face-to-face and online. This will equip psychologists in training with the necessary tools to facilitate and lead group sessions with patients, regardless of their setting choice. A more integrative training may also allow students, specifically those who are in “hot” spots or who may be considered vulnerable to the virus, to continue providing group sessions safely and online during the pandemic. In addition, enabling students to provide group teletherapy will most likely benefit patients who need services but cannot afford to seek face-to-face treatment due to fear or risk of contracting the virus, or due to compliance of government regulations regarding social distancing and lockdowns.
In order to assist the students’ learning experience, we consider it imperative for instructors of online courses to train students on identifying non-verbal cues that occur during group psychotherapy sessions. Through an online learning modality, instructors can use platforms (e.g., Zoom) to mimic what students could expect during an online session. Professors should also address other potential challenges unique to teletherapy, such as technical difficulties, confidentiality issues, and providing these services to high-risk populations.
Also, there seems to be a lack of literature focused on the process of conducting group teletherapy. We believe further research should be conducted to evaluate both the potential benefits and risk of online group teletherapy. This knowledge will most likely be a critical aid in the training of psychology students. Furthermore, if there is existing data on providing these online services, we recommend these resources be made available for student clinicians so that this information can be incorporated in training and practice.
The following resources can assist student clinicians when conducting group psychotherapy:
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The American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology
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The Group Psychotherapy online discussion forum hosted by APA. This group allows clinicians to exchange ideas and ask questions regarding group psychotherapy to professionals from all over the world.
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To subscribe to the list, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.apa.org with the following in the body (not the subject) of your message:
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subscribe group-psychotherapy [your-first-name] [your-last-name] E.g. subscribe group-psychotherapy John Doe
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The Group Psychotherapy online discussion forum hosted by APA. This group allows clinicians to exchange ideas and ask questions regarding group psychotherapy to professionals from all over the world.
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To subscribe to the list, send an email to Misha Bogomaz, PsyD.