Is the connection clear? An investigation into the impact of Video-conferencing Psychotherapy (VCP) on therapists’ clinical abilities [#92]

Title: Is the connection clear? An investigation into the impact of Video-conferencing Psychotherapy (VCP) on therapists’ clinical abilities

Description: In the early 2000’s, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) outlined the core clinical competencies (i.e., interpersonal relationships) that psychologists must possess to be effective practitioners (CPA, 2004). Indeed, research has consistently demonstrated that therapists’ competence in these skills improve therapeutic outcomes (e.g., Wampold & Imel, 2015). However, compared to Face-to-Face (FtF) therapy, there has been a lack of research investigating whether clinical competencies transfer to Videoconferencing Psychotherapy (VCP). Further, research has shown that clients are not always credible in their self-report (Blanchard & Farber, 2016). To date, however, there have been no studies that have considered therapists' credibility assessment accuracy in videoconferencing scenarios, let alone in therapeutic settings. The aim of this research is to consider whether, and in what potential ways, therapists’ clinical competencies are impacted by conducting therapy across different communication mediums (i.e., FtF, phone, videoconferencing). This study will collect information about therapists’ experiences with therapy across communication mediums, specifically related to their perceptions of their clinical competencies (i.e., credibility assessments, clinical skills). It will also consider therapists’ ability to make accurate credibility assessments in a mock VCP session.

Specifics: Study Population:
Participants must be registered psychologists in their governing body in Canada or the United States. They must also have access to an internet-connected computer with working speakers or headphones, and should be able to understand fluent English.

Participant Obligation
Participants will be asked to engage in a confidential and anonymous survey that will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. They will be asked about their clinical competencies, and will be asked to complete a credibility assessment task.

Location: Online: Kelowna, BC.

Project lead: Ian Wellspring, Supervisor: Dr. Michael Woodworth

Study Dates: March 1, 2023 to September 1, 2023

Study Website: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jUzrHBFagRSaXk