Hello,

I am Valentini and I am completing a DClinPsy qualification in Royal Holloway University of London. I am recruiting for my doctoral thesis that is interested in exploring the building of therapeutic alliances in online systemic family therapy with young people and their families.

The study is called SOAP (Systemic Online Alliance Project) and is supervised by Professor Helen Pote. We are looking for systemic practitioners that currently work online therapeutically and would be able to share a bit about their practice.

Who can take part?

Systemic practitioners who currently deliver sessions online and:

  • Have a systemic qualification gained in the UK at least to an intermediate level
  • Work with young people (up to 18) and their families delivering sessions at least in a blended way ( 50% online) in the UK
  • Are willing to gain consent from a family to completely anonymously discuss the process of building an online alliance with them and reflect on their online practice of doing so

Why take part?

As therapeutic practice continues to be delivered with digital means after the pandemic, we want to understand clinicians' experiences of what constitutes "good practice" in building online therapeutic alliances with families. We are hoping routine good practice examples can inform a theoretical framework for how alliance is strengthened online and what skills and techniques are important in making that happen.

What to expect?

You will be asked to reflect on a recent online session focusing on alliance building with a family in an interview that lasts 50 minutes to 1 hour. You will be given a reflective sheet as a memory aid prior to your interview, if you wish to use it to write down events from the session that you particularly found helpful in fostering the online alliance. You wont be asked to shared any identifying information about the family or their difficulties.

How do I take part?

For more information, you can find the study information sheet . If you are interested, you can email me, Valentini, on nljt200@live.rhul.ac.uk to express interest. We will then think together about a time that works for you for the interview. If you have any questions, please do get in touch!