Delivering remote therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study with service users accessing a community personality disorder service

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the views and opinions of service users accessing remote therapy through a community forensic personality disorder service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted.

Nine community forensic service users accessing virtual/telephone therapy through a community forensic mental health service were interviewed using semi-structed interviews.

Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis techniques.

Findings Analysis resulted in three overall themes: experience of communication in the therapeutic relationship; impacts of the change to remote working and making the best of what we have.

A further seven subthemes were developed.

A range of advantages and disadvantages to remote therapy were highlighted

Citations

White, J., Nillo, A.-M., Rowsell, K., Roberts, V., Dudley-Hicks, D., Urbasch, M. and Cordwell, J. (2022), "Delivering remote therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study with service users accessing a community personality disorder service", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 313-325

Page last reviewed: 12 June, 2025