The Shift to Online Psychotherapy: Adaptation and Implications for Brazilian Clinical Psychologists Amid Covid-19

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.627502024

Keywords:

Covid-19, Mental health, Online Psychotherapy, Adaptation Strategies, Telepsychology, Professional Challenges

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted traditional psychotherapy practices, prompting a rapid transition to online modalities. This qualitative study investigates how Brazilian clinical psychologists adapted to online psychotherapy during and after the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five psychologists, each with an average professional experience of 8.9 years. Using the Iramuteq software for lexical analysis, six thematic classes were identified: uncertainties during the transition, emerging possibilities, adaptability movements, pandemic context, new professional perspectives, and academic and professional trajectories. The findings highlight significant challenges, including managing technological tools, maintaining therapeutic relationships, and addressing client concerns in virtual settings. However, the transition also revealed notable advantages, such as reduced operational costs, enhanced flexibility, and expanded access to psychological care. The analysis underscores the critical role of digital competencies, including technical, communicational, and cultural skills, in ensuring effective online therapy. Additionally, the results point to gaps in academic training and professional preparation for telepsychology, emphasizing the need for curriculum reform to include digital literacy and teletherapy-specific strategies. The study concludes that online psychotherapy represents not only a response to crisis but also a sustainable model for expanding access to mental health care. It calls for targeted professional development and ethical guidelines to support psychologists in navigating digital environments effectively. These insights contribute to understanding the evolving dynamics of psychotherapy and provide actionable recommendations for improving digital mental health services in Brazil and beyond.

Author Biographies

Ana Carolina Ulhoa da Veiga, University Center of Brasília

BSc in Psychology from the University Center of Brasília

Carlos Manoel Lopes Rodrigues, University Center of Brasília University of Brasília

Psychologist from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Master and PhD from the University of Brasilia. Specialist in Psychological Assessment by the Federal Council of Psychology. Adjunct Professor at the University Center of Brasília in the area of Psychological Assessment and Psychodiagnosis. Collaborating Advisor and Full Collaborating Researcher at the Postgraduate Program in Clinical Psychology and Culture at the University of Brasília - PPGPsiCC/UnB.

Manuela Ramos Caldas Lins, University Center of Brasília

PhD in Psychology from the University of Brasília. Full Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Psychology at the University Center of Brasília

Janaína de Fátima Vidotti, University Center of Brasília University of Brasília

Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of São Paulo and a PhD candidate in the Clinical Psychology and Culture program at the University of Brasília. Professor at the University Center of Brasília.

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Published

2024-11-27

How to Cite

Veiga, A. C. U. da, Rodrigues, C. M. L., Lins, M. R. C., & Vidotti, J. de F. (2024). The Shift to Online Psychotherapy: Adaptation and Implications for Brazilian Clinical Psychologists Amid Covid-19. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 6(2), 137–144. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.627502024

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Original Research Articles

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