Theraphy 2.0: Chegar mais perto dos que estão longe

Abstract

ResumoEste estudo tem como objetivo explorar a utilização das Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação (TIC) nos processos terapêuticos e de aconselhamento. AbstractThis study aims to explore the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the therapeutic and counselling processes. Two hundred and fifty-one professionals from 7 different countries, who underwent therapy or counselling, answered an on-line questionnaire. The results revealed that 52.97% of those who already used an on-line tool have a positive or very positive opinion about it. Also, the email is the on-line tool more used and the computer and smartphones are the most used equipments. Additionally, it was found that the development of new tools and training in the area can positively influence the use of ICTs, being recognized several advantages associated with its use.

The Use of New Digital Information and Communication Technologies in Psychological Counseling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A study in other countries revealed that, among those who have employed any online means of practicing counseling and therapy, 52.97% had a positive or very positive opinion about the use of these tools. In this study, e-mail was the most widely used online tool, and the computer and smart phone were the most frequently used equipment [14]. Different circumstances and factors seem to contribute to explain the different attitudes and the adoption (or not) of this type of resources [23].…”

“…The questionnaire included 30 questions divided into three sections: (i) socio-demographic data, with 9 questions; (ii) experience before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 7 questions; and (iii) current experience using ICTs in psychology sessions (namely web-based interventions during the lockdown period), with 14 questions. The questions were designed based on a previous questionnaire developed for the purpose of studying the use of ICTs in the provision of therapy and counseling [14], as well as on the advantages and challenges identified in the literature about the use of these technologies on psychological counseling.…”

“…In addition to the OPP, other projects have been carried out in Portugal (and elsewhere) with the aim to issue good practices to be adopted for the use of these digital and technological means in the area of health in general, and of psychology in particular. As an example, the European project THERAPY 2.0-Counseling and Therapeutic Interactions with Digital Natives, financed by the ERASMUS + program, sought to issue the appropriate integration of ICTs in counseling and therapy, especially for younger populations and refugees [14,15].…”

“…The recognized advantages of using ICTs do not refer merely to their power to compensate for the limitations of traditional interventions (e.g., travelling requirements for customers or therapists), nor to their use as complementary means. There are several advantages associated with implementing internet interventions [8][9][10][11]13,14,55]. These include easy accessibility, high adaptability, flexibility and convenience, evolution at the client's pace, easy adherence and treatment monitoring, privacy and possibility of anonymity, cultural adaptability, low cost, and high potential for dissemination [55].…”

“…Conversely, the main challenges identified in the use of ICTs include ethical concerns (e.g., security, privacy, confidentiality, and an absence or lack of deontological orientation), clients' ICT illiteracy, and negative attitudes toward internet interventions [6]. Others can be added, such as a lack of access to technological and digital tools by some users, technological problems in their use, and changes to the setting and regarding the therapeutic relationship [8,10,14,26,[55][56][57][58].…”