It has gained so much popularity because of the effectiveness in dealing with deeper emotional problems within a relatively short period. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a huge shift from onsite to online. Although an online ISTDP poses many conveniences, questions arise about its effectiveness in comparison with a traditional onsite setting. In this blog, we shall discuss the differences between ISTDP online and onsite ISTDP using a wide range of research, statistical data, and answers to some of the FAQs
Key Takeaways:
- ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) can be equally effective both remotely and in-person, though patient preference plays a significant role in outcomes.
- Studies have shown that remote therapy improves accessibility, especially for those with geographical or mobility limitations.
- In-person therapy is favored for body language reading and creating a physical connection.
- Remote sessions can reduce treatment costs by up to 25% compared to in-person sessions.
- Both forms of therapy emphasize emotional engagement, but remote therapy requires adapting techniques to overcome technological and emotional barriers.
- A hybrid model can provide flexibility and maintain effectiveness, addressing both emotional and logistical needs.
Question: Is Remote or In-Person ISTDP Better?
Both remote and in-person ISTDP have advantages and disadvantages. Neither mode is patently better. It really depends on the needs of patients, practical circumstances, and sometimes interaction dynamics between a therapist and his patient. A 2022 American Psychological Association survey indicated that 60% of patients said remote therapy was as effective as in-person sessions, while 30% reported they like to have an in-person session because of the strong emotional connection.
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Accessibility and Availability
One of the most crucial advantages of remote ISTDP is availability. One advantage of remote therapy is that it brings into reach high-quality mental health services for patients who are living in rural areas or whose mobility is problematic. According to Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, during the pandemic, remote therapy increased the access by 23% of the population to the mental health service. This availability makes ISTDP reach much more people, especially those otherwise likely not to attend sessions in person.
Mode | Accessibility Increase (%) | Cost Savings (%) |
---|---|---|
Remote ISTDP | 23 | 25 |
In-person ISTDP | – | – |
Geographical Barriers
There are also geographical barriers where patients face difficulties in accessing specialized therapists due to their remote places of residence. This will be eliminated through remote ISTDP, whereby it ensures that distance will not undermine mental health care quality. It will make the possible access of a patient with any therapist using remote parts of the world; as such, he or she can choose the professional who best fits his therapeutic needs, irrespective of the location.
Emotional Engagement in ISTDP: Remote vs. In-Person
This is important to create emotional engagement in ISTDP, and for this, the therapist has to observe quite subtle cues from the client regarding body language, such as facial expression and posture. In-person therapy is still more straightforward because it can discern these non-verbal cues easily, and for this reason, some therapists argue that it is critical in successful ISTDP.
On the other hand, remote therapy makes it more challenging to observe non-verbal communication correctly. According to a study which was published in the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 15% of therapists reported that they are facing difficulties in reading emotional cues from their clients while having remote sessions. However, 75% of these therapists reported that video conferencing tools could still capture significant emotional cues if used appropriately, although it required extra effort in the communication from both the therapist and patient.
Emotional Engagement Success in ISTDP
Mode | Therapist Satisfaction (%) | Patient Satisfaction (%) |
---|---|---|
Remote ISTDP | 75 | 80 |
In-person ISTDP | 90 | 85 |
Remote ISTDP Technological Limitations and Adaptations
Teletherapy does have its advantages, but there are also technological limitations. Bad connections, glitches in the software, or unfamiliarity with technology can compromise the therapeutic process. According to Telemedicine Research Group, a 2020 survey showed that 12% of patients suffered from technical problems, which caused frustration or missed sessions. However, with the advancement of telemedicine applications over time, such problems have substantially decreased.
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The therapists adapt by utilizing a number of other web-based applications, including secure video-conferencing platforms, chat functions, as well as in-vivo emotional feedback software, to limit the extent to which technological challenges can impede therapeutic work. The growth of telehealth platforms also ensures that increasingly more therapists are trained in the remote delivery of ISTDP.
Hybrid Therapy Model
Hybrid models can be in-person and remote, offering an adaptable alternative for both the patient and the therapist. According to The British Journal of Psychiatry, hybrid models can cut costs by as high as 15% while retaining both benefits associated with each respective therapy.
Mode | Cost Reduction (%) | Patient Satisfaction (%) |
---|---|---|
Hybrid ISTDP | 15 | 88 |
Remote ISTDP | 25 | 80 |
In-person ISTDP | – | 85 |
Cost and Affordability of ISTDP Remote vs. In-Person
Remote ISTDP is likely to be cheaper by saving transport charges and is more flexible to schedule sessions. According to the American Psychological Association, Remote sessions are, on average, 25% cheaper than in-person sessions. Such a difference in cost may seal the deal for many patients.
Mode | Average Cost Per Session ($) | Cost Savings (%) |
---|---|---|
Remote ISTDP | 120 | 25 |
In-person ISTDP | 160 | – |
Therapeutic Alliance: Building Trust and Rapport
A high-quality working alliance between the patient and the therapist is said to be the sine qua non of successful ISTDP. While many might say it is harder to build trust and rapport in a virtual space due to the lack of physical presence and body language of the clients, Frontiers in Psychology states that 70% of the patients asserted that they feel as connected to their therapist during virtual sessions as they do with in-office sessions. Furthermore, some patients said they feel more comfortable and vulnerable about being in remote sessions due to the familiarity of their environment.
FAQs On Remote vs. In-Person ISTDP
Is the effectiveness of remote ISTDP as good as that of in-person ISTDP?
Remote ISTDP has been found to be as effective as in-person therapy for most patients, especially when therapists use advanced communication techniques to help obviate any disadvantage.
Are remote and in-person ISTDP very different in terms of expense?
Remote ISTDP sessions are 25% cheaper than in-person sessions, which help make them more accessible to patients on a budget.
How does ISTDP demonstrated emotional engagement in remote sessions?
Most therapists might not be able to read body language because of the distance. However, there are video tools and communication techniques that help them be emotionally involved while conducting the sessions.
Any disadvantages with ISTDP whilst conducted remotely?
There are a few disadvantages: technical issues such as slow internet; reading body language. These issues could be minimized if proper tools and techniques are used.
Can patients switch from virtual to in-person ISTDP?
Yes, indeed most therapists provide a hybrid model which permits patients to switch from virtual to an in-person setting according to one’s choice or need.
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Conclusion
The fight for ISTDP sessions to be delivered remotely or in person reveals that people have the option to choose. Whatever they prefer in terms of access to care, logistical reasons, and requirement for their person. Even though in-person session settings heighten the intensity of such non-verbal communication. ISTDP therapy goes way further in terms of convenience, efficacy, and accessibility. Each form has its advantages, and most patients do respond well to a combination where both approaches give the benefit of one and balance of the other. Remote ISTDP in particular will surely become even more widespread and effective with wider acceptance of telehealth.