The importance of human connection: Perinatal teletherapy during a global pandemic

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines how the shift to online working in a perinatal mental health community team has led to an examination of how occupational therapists create connections with our clients. In order to address the disconnection experienced by clients engaging with services during a global pandemic, an approach to online working which emphasises the therapeutic use of self has been developed. An online platform has been used to build a psychoeducation course which relies heavily on the therapist's use of self-disclosure and equal participation in a community of learners. The work is currently in the pilot stage with a small number of patients but initial responses appear positive; further analysis will be possible as clients begin to complete the course.

KEYWORDS:

• Perinatal
• mental health
• therapeutic use of self
• pandemic
• telehealth

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).