Transformative Psychotherapy and Telehealth: Original Dissertation
Cover Page of Doctoral Dissertation by Victor D. Bloomberg, September 29, 2021
Published in October 2021 as an eBook, my dissertation and the accompanying journal article (https://doi.org/10.20935/AL3883) have had 4,950 downloads across 158 countries. Why? People want to know: How do adults change in a fundamental way and how can Telehealth support that?
AI Summary Transcript
In Depth With Academia, the podcast where we gently unravel the complexities of academic papers and bring you a closer understanding of what they really mean. I'm your host Richard Price, CEO of academia.edu.
And today we are diving deep into a fascinating dissertation by Victor D Bloomberg, Ed D, LCSW, titled “Transformative Psychotherapy: In-Person and Telehealth”. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let's embark on this intellectual journey together.
Now the core question Bloomberg tackles in this paper is really intriguing. Can transformative psychotherapy occur through both in-person and telehealth modalities? Why does this matter, you ask? Well, with the rise of telehealth, especially post pandemic, there's a significant need to understand if psychological healing can truly be achieved through a screen. Lots of us are adapting to digital first environments. So it's a timely question, don't you think?
All right, on to the heart of the paper. Bloomberg did some serious homework with this qualitative research. He interviewed 23 experienced clinicians. Wow. That's quite a number to explore their insights about effective therapy in this digital age. What's fascinating is this idea of whether Telehealth limits transformative change or if it can actually affect significant change in clients' lives. The paper navigates some of these complexities with a concept called the therapeutic alliance, which seems to be key. This is the connection and trust developed between therapist and client. It turns out a good therapist can work magic with this alliance, whether it's done in the same room or through a device.
So what exactly are the findings, you wonder? Bloomberg found that if the clinician is proficient, they can make Telehealth work, aligning it closely with the therapeutic goals they establish with their clients. Fascinating, right? He even developed his own theory of transformative psychotherapy that mobilizes the notion of an I-Thou experience, bringing an emotional response cycle into play. This cycle, get this, allows the client to perceive and process emotions, fostering transformative change. Telehealth can actually enhance a client's sense of safety, which during emotionally charged sessions is essential.
Bloomberg's research provides these nuggets of wisdom about when and how Telehealth might fall short. For instance, it could be less effective for clients dealing with substance abuse issues or when immediate safety risk is a concern. Imagine trying to gauge a client's mood or body language through a screen. It presents its own set of challenges. To top it off, Bloomberg emphasizes the role of therapists offering telehealth strategically, possibly combining it with in-person sessions to achieve the best outcomes. It's all about flexibility and adaptability, which let's face it, is the mark of a great therapist.
An interesting takeaway from Bloomberg's dissertation is that he's not claiming Telehealth to be a panacea. Rather, he's giving us a roadmap. By adding more qualitative research and listening to the diverse stories of those who provide and receive Telehealth therapy, understanding deepens. Isn't that what learning is all about, constantly evolving?
You know, while reading through Bloomberg's findings and methods, I couldn't help but get sidetracked. Did you know dermatologists saw a significant rise in telehealth appointments too, which makes you wonder, do all forms of telehealth, be it dermatology or psychotherapy, face similar hurdles, or are they each uniquely challenged by the nuances of their practices?
Anyway, circling back to our topic, what Bloomberg offers us is a way to think critically about the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions today. His work doesn't just settle for being a bridge between pre-pandemic and pandemic modalities of therapy, it challenges us to refine and expand the body of knowledge surrounding telehealth.
So, what does all this mean for you, the listener? You may be thinking about entering therapy or are perhaps a therapist yourself. The adaptability of methods, whether in person or digital, emphasized here, is crucial for personal growth and healing, be it seeking therapy or providing it. Knowing the flexibility of these approaches can help break down accessibility barriers.
Wow, I've rambled on, haven't I? But isn't it just fascinating? Just a reminder. This is a neutral presentation of Bloomberg's insights, not an endorsement. Whatever your thoughts, it's certainly a conversation starter about the future of therapy.
Before we wrap up, remember that insights from academic research aren't the final word, they're stepping stones for further exploration and reflection. Folks, thanks for joining me today on In Depth with Academia. I hope you found this dive into Victor Bloomberg's dissertation as thought provoking as I did. Until next time, keep questioning, keep learning and keep exploring new frontiers.
