Benefits and challenges of an online CBT group, utilizing self-practice/self-reflection paradigm for psychology trainees.

Abstract

Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) supports understanding and delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in participants by facilitating reflection on the practice of CBT techniques on personally relevant experiences. To date, little is known about the online potential of SP/SR training, particularly relevant through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw an increase in online teaching and training delivery. The present study examined the perspectives of ten trainee therapists and three clinical educators (facilitators) on the experience, benefits, and challenges of participating in and facilitating an online CBT group integrating SP/SR principles. Reflective thematic analysis of semistructured interviews led to two trainee themes ("experiencing the other chair" and "learning to be a CBT therapist") and two facilitator themes ("learning to facilitate online" and "reflections on unexpected gains"). Facilitators and trainees described the online platform as a suitable delivery format, providing a comparable experience to in-person teaching and an authentic therapeutic experience to facilitate trainees' understanding of delivering CBT generally and in a telehealth context. Some trainees noted challenges being vulnerable online and all facilitators noted being less likely to push trainees to experience and express difficult thoughts and emotions online. Recommendations are provided to enhance learning in similar groups in psychology training. Public Significance StatementThis is the first study to explore the experience, benefits and challenges of an online cognitive behavioral therapy group using self-practice/self-reflection principles. Findings indicated that the online group facilitated a comparable personal and professional experience to the traditional delivery of in-person groups, with the added benefit of trainees and facilitators learning how to adapt therapy to a telehealth setting.