Online therapy with families ‐ what can families tell us about how to do this well? A qualitative study assessing families’ experience of remote Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy compared to face-to-face therapy

Blair, M., Tweedlie, L., Minnis, H. , Cronin, I. and Turner, F. (2024) Online therapy with families ‐ what can families tell us about how to do this well? A qualitative study assessing families’ experience of remote Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy compared to face-to-face therapy. PLoS ONE, 19(4), e0301640. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301640) (PMID:38626223) (PMCID:PMC11020366)

Abstract

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a family-based therapy for adopted children aiming to achieve secure attachment between the child and parent. Due to restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery of DDP transitioned from face-to-face to online methods. This study aimed to explore families experience of online DDP compared to face-to-face DDP, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of remote delivery methods and the implications this has on future service delivery for clinicians. Semi-structured interviews with 6 families were conducted online. Analysis of transcripts using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed four superordinate themes: environment and child engagement, non-verbal communication, travel and familiarity with remote interactions. Parents recognised the influence the physical and online environment had on their child’s engagement levels, however, varied in their experience and hence preference of delivery method. All families emphasised the importance of non-verbal communication within DDP sessions and majority highlighted this may be lost online. For families who travelled to face-to-face DDP, car journeys provided a unique opportunity to decompress and reflect after sessions. For families where travel is unfeasible, online DDP was a lifeline, demonstrating the ability of remote therapy to widen access to specialist healthcare. Familiarity with online work emerged as a strong indicator of positive attitudes towards remote DDP, especially if the previous experience is positive and the child is confident using technology. Overall, families differed greatly in their experience of remote and face-to-face DDP indicating a new approach must be undertaken with each family beginning therapy, ensuring it is unique and individual to their needs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Dyadic developmental psychotherapy, DDP, qualitative, maltreatment, remote online, telemedicine, interpretative phenomenological analysis, face-to-face, family therapy, online therapy, remote therapy, tele-mental health, service access, service improvement, attachment, child and adolescent mental health, child abuse and neglect, online healthcare, widening access, adoption.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Minnis, Professor Helen and Turner, Ms Fiona

Creator Roles

Minnis, H.: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review and editing
Turner, F.: Data curation, Investigation, Methodology, Supervision, Visualization, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Blair, M., Tweedlie, L., Minnis, H., Cronin, I., and Turner, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: PLoS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• ISSN (Online): 1932-6203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 Blair et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS ONE 19(4): e0301640
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
304771		A phase II RCT to measure the cost and consequences of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy compared with 'usual treatment' for children referred with maltreatment-associated psychiatric problems	Helen Minnis	National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)	NIHR127801	SHW - Mental Health & Wellbeing