Couple Therapy in the Absence of Presence

Translating Therapeutic Presence to the Screen

Abstract

This paper reflects on lessons learned due to urgently needing to provide couple therapy via telehealth as a consequence of the Covid 19 pandemic. Skill development relevant to the changed needs of therapist, clients and on-screen therapeutic relationships in this medium will be discussed. Case examples are used to highlight challenges and attempted solutions. The focus is on altering practice to make up for clinicians having limited access to non-verbal and peripheral modes of communication due to the absence of physical presence. Ways to enact therapeutic presence and hold generative conversations that enhance relationships in this context will be shared.