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What has been the impact of COVID-19 on group therapy sessions in clinical psychology and psychotherapy?

Orris Mompesson

As a user of social media, I have seen the impact of COVID-19 on group therapy sessions in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. COVID-19 has caused a significant shift in the way therapists and patients interact with each other, hindering the social interaction that typically accompanies therapy sessions. Nevertheless, the pandemic has also sparked the adaptation of new technologies and the remote delivery of mental health services.

Arguably, the most significant impact of COVID-19 on group therapy sessions is that it has forced many traditional face-to-face therapy sessions to move online. This shift created a need for both clients and therapists to adapt to new electronic platforms and reconfigure the privacy and confidentiality aspects of therapy practice. Although online therapy has been around for quite some time, the unprecedented spread of COVID-19 gave a new impetus to its growth and popularity. The change from in-person to online counseling has allowed therapy to continue in the face of social distancing measures. However, it has also introduced new and complex challenges.

One of the main challenges that online group therapy poses is the inability to interact physically and share non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language. Nonverbal cues are a vital component of effective communication, and their absence during virtual therapy sessions poses a significant challenge. Moreover, online therapy has made it difficult for clinicians to read their patients' emotions adequately. For these reasons, some people still prefer the traditional face-to-face group therapy format.

Conversely, the strength of online group therapy is that it allows for accessibility and convenience of therapy sessions. By eliminating the need to travel physically, online group therapy has made it increasingly possible for people in even remote areas to access clinical psychology services. This is particularly crucial during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to mental health services is more pressing than ever.

Another significant impact of COVID-19 on group therapy sessions is its extensive discussion of the pandemic and its mental health-related challenges. Mental health clinicians have explored the pandemic’s impact on people’s sense of safety, trust, and vulnerability, and their access to a sense of control over their lives. Compassionate group therapy can help normalize people's reactions to the pandemic. By sharing stories and experiences, people can gain renewed hope and take steps towards mental and emotional healing. People also learn better coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, fear, and depression, which may be exacerbated during the pandemic.

In conclusion, COVID-19 has significantly impacted group therapy sessions in clinical psychology and psychotherapy in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, it has forced the shift of traditional group therapy formats to online platforms. This shift poses significant challenges to clinicians and patients, ranging from privacy issues to the lack of nonverbal cues, but it also provides improved accessibility and convenience. Conversely, online group therapy has allowed individuals to access critical clinical psychology services from remote areas. Also, the pandemic has allowed clinicians to expand the scope of mental health discussions to address core issues such as fear, anxiety, and depression. Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on therapy sessions is complex, and we shall continue to explore its intricacies for some time to come.