ABSTRACT
The online setting can be used as an opportunity to re-focus on the therapeutic relationship. Most psychotherapeutic schools consider the therapeutic relationship to be central. People seeking therapy online are dealing with a variety of on-going distance relationships. Their emotional attachments often extend beyond borders. Losses and separations generally follow increased mobility. Yalom describes a therapist and her client as “fellow travellers”. This metaphor is especially appropriate when working with the displaced or highly mobile. By engaging in therapy with an online therapist, a client finds himself committed to yet another distance relationship. The way we negotiate this relationship adds an important reparative value to the work. Elements of relational-focused work are explored: presence, working in the “here-and-now”, and working at relational depth as extensively studied by Mearns and Cooper. Relational depth builds on moments of intense contact and enduring experiences of connectedness. Working at relational depth strengthens the therapeutic alliance and may keep both parties’ motivation high. These elements are explored through the lens of displacement-sensitive practice and illustrated with case vignettes. Additional topics, such as meeting an online client in person, are discussed.
