Psychotherapists’ self-determined motivations and experiences in shifting to online psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed various social and professional contact restrictions, with health care, and especially psychological consultations, significantly affected. Online platforms for patient consultations became an alternative format, with many psychotherapists opting for this medium. The present research used a rapid review of the scholarly literature to understand psychotherapists’ experiences and motivations as they shifted to online therapy. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and specifically the Basic Psychological Needs (sub)Theory (BPNT) was used as the theoretical foundation for the study, and peer-reviewed, qualitative research published between 2020 and 2023 was included for analysis. A qualitative approach was used, and a deductive method was employed to generate the thematic areas. The first theme identified was the psychotherapists’ loss of autonomy and related attempts to regain a sense of autonomy. The second theme was the concept of competence and included the attainment of personal and professional growth. The final theme was that of relatedness. While the therapeutic relationship was affected by the technological space, the shared feelings of concern and anxiety regarding the uncertainty of COVID-19 seemed to have a bonding effect between the patient and therapist. This, perhaps, enhanced the therapeutic alliance, given their equal concerns with respect to COVID-19. Overall, the reviewed literature showed that, despite the challenges, psychotherapists adapted well to the online therapy shift necessitated by the COVID-19 lockdown.