Psicoterapia online: aplicación desde una perspectiva cognitivo-conductual

Abstract

Introduction: the objective of this research is to determine the applicability of online psychotherapy from a cognitive- behavioral approach through the state-of-the art concept. This study starts with an insight of online psychotherapy’s historical evolution, the description of some cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts and it addresses common elements regarding online psychotherapy in terms of a cognitive-behavioral, systemic family and humanistic approach. Finally, it analyses the advantages and disadvantages of online psychotherapy in order to suggest adequate methodological adaptations. Materials and methods: this is a qualitative research that defines the object of study by means of a literature review and interviews. Results: this work establishes that therapeutic alliance, a code of ethics and the advantages associated with an online modality (synchronous and asynchronous) supports CBT’s efficacy. However, this paper identifies certain disadvantages that represent limitations when carrying out an online therapeutic process, such as loss of privacy in the interaction, distractors, and connectivity problems. Conclusion: this research reached the conclusion that online psychotherapy does not replace face-to-face delivery mode, yet it does represent a supporting tool that enables new scenarios for patient-therapist communication.