Particularidades da transferência no atendimento psicológico online em um serviço de telepsicologia universitário

Abstract

In recent years, technological development has transformed people's lives, especially in communication, with the increased access to the internet. Alongside this, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of communication technologies, including online clinical psychology, due to the need for social isolation. In response to this, the Federal Council of Psychology has regulated online counseling, emphasizing the importance of the patient-psychologist relationship. Psychoanalysis, being one of the theoretical and clinical approaches used by psychologists, emphasizes the transference relationship, and for this reason, it may face challenges in the online modality, requiring flexibility in technique. In this context, this work aims to describe specific aspects of remote psychoanalytic psychology in relation to transference because it deviates from the classic model of in-person sessions within the office setting and with extended durations. The research consists of a qualitative exploratory study, composed of semi-structured interviews conducted in both in-person and remote formats. Psychologists who worked in the telepsychology service at the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS) between 2020 and 2022 were interviewed. This service provides exclusively remote consultations where students or psychologists affiliated with UCS offer free assistance to individuals referred by the public health network of Caxias do Sul.The data obtained were analyzed using the thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006) and categorized into themes that encompass the main peculiarities of the practice. The analysis emphasizes the transference relationship and free association, challenges and potentialities of remote counseling, conditions for expanding the setting, indications and contraindications of remote counseling, manifestations of resistance in the online format, and the specificities of UCS telepsychology. It is noteworthy to emphasize the importance of regulations, training, and ongoing research to enhance the quality of remote sessions. Telepsychology plays a crucial role in promoting access to mental health and should be explored and developed to increasingly meet the needs of society as a whole. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]