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Facilitating psychotherapy with patient-made videos:

A qualitative study of patient experiences

Authors

  • Elisa Nordström
  • Sinikka Luutonen
  • Jenny Paananen
  • Tarja Koffert
  • Matti Keinänen
  • Jarmo Hietala

Keywords:

psychotherapy, video, self-reflection, emotional processing, life management, quality of life

Abstract

We have developed a method utilizing video material to facilitate the psychotherapeutic process we call VideoTalk. In this method, which uses schema therapy as a theoretical framework, patients make videos at home in various emotional situations following the therapist’s detailed instructions. They then watch the videos together with the therapist making observations about the patient and how they speak about themselves and other people. The aim of this article is to describe five patients’ personal experiences of psychotherapy consisting of 15 video-assisted sessions. We used mixed methods methodology consisting of material-based content analysis of patient interviews done after the therapy and changes in symptoms measured by psychological symptom scales. Based on the symptom scales, this outcome study found that all participants benefited from the VideoTalk therapy. ‘Gaining bodily self-awareness and insight’, ‘Thinking more clearly and with self-compassion’, and ‘Challenges associated with the technology and practicalities of video work’ were found to be the main categories in the content analysis. After some minor technical difficulties, the patients found the video method workable. The results showed a wide range of self-observations, which began to be positively integrated into the patients’ lives and to increase their overall wellbeing. In the course of VideoTalk therapy, patients face painful emotions and may begin to create a new kind of connection between their own insulated internal world and the surrounding world.

 

 

 

 

Author Biographies

Elisa Nordström

Private psychotherapy service

M.Sc., Psychotherapist

Sinikka Luutonen

University of Turku, Department of Psychiatry 

Turku University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry

MD, PhD

Jenny Paananen

University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science

FT

Tarja Koffert

Private psychotherapy service

RN, Psychotherapist

 

Matti Keinänen

University of Turku, Department of Psychiatry

Policlinic Toivola

MD, PhD

Jarmo Hietala

University of Turku, Department of Psychiatry

Turku University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry

MD, PhD

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Published

10/07/2021

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How to Cite

Nordström, E., Luutonen, S., Paananen, J., Koffert, T., Keinänen, M., & Hietala, J. (2021). Facilitating psychotherapy with patient-made videos: : A qualitative study of patient experiences. European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy, 11, 130–142. Retrieved from https://www.ejqrp.org/index.php/ejqrp/article/view/129

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Articles