Abstract Videoconferencing cognitive behavioural therapy (VCBT) has gained increased attention in recent years. While in-person CBT is well-studied, there is limited research on therapists’ attitudes towards delivering CBT through videoconferencing. A cross-sectional online survey on preferences and attitudes towards videoconferencing was distributed to CBT clinicians, mainly psychotherapists, psychologists, and counsellors, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 140 complete responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Most respondents expressed positive or very positive attitudes towards VCBT, considering it a time efficient option, suitable for building a therapeutic alliance. Agenda setting , goal formulation , assigning and reviewing homework , providing booster sessions , and guided self-help support were the CBT components most respondents perceived as best fitted for the videoconferencing format. In contrast, role-play , exposure with response prevention , and interpersonal skills training were rated as the least suitable techniques. VCBT was considered most appropriate for treating insomnia, stress-related conditions, and anxiety disorders, and least appropriate for bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, and specific phobias. The findings indicate that Swedish CBT clinicians largely viewed videoconferencing as a viable format during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for diagnostic groups commonly treated with face-to-face CBT and with the use of structured and highly verbal CBT techniques. However, the use of VCBT for more complicated conditions, as well as using interpersonal, experiential and skills training techniques, was perceived as less suitable. Further research is needed to examine clinician preferences and training needs, and the development and delivery of specific CBT components through video, including for more complex cases and younger age groups. Key learning aims (1) CBT clinicians had generally positive attitudes towards working with VCBT during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) CBT clinicians preferred structured and verbally provided techniques, over interpersonal and more experiential techniques, when using the videoconferencing format. (3) CBT clinicians perceived VCBT to be suitable for diagnoses commonly treated with face-to-face CBT, such as insomnia, anxiety disorders, and stress. (4) Most CBT clinicians also perceived VCBT as time saving and suitable for maintaining a therapeutic alliance. (5) A session length of at least 30 minutes was preferred among CBT clinicians.
Vernmark et al. (Thu,) studied this question.