Facilitator lessons from online psychoeducational group for relational well‐being in India during COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the mental health of individuals, along with their couple and familial relationships, necessitating an effective response. Teletherapy offers an option to address these relationship concerns amidst pandemic‐specific mobility restriction. Against this setting, Sukoon, a project of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India, initiated a five‐session online psychoeducational group series on relational wellbeing. This paper explores facilitator’s reflections and learnings based on session documentation and facilitator notes. Preparing well and selecting participants carefully for online psychoeducational groups was critical to success. Effectiveness was enhanced by flexibly adapting the therapy process (didactic and interactive elements) to fit online delivery and the cultural context. Identifying the potential of online psychoeducational groups for relational wellbeing could make it a valuable addition to the COVID‐19 pandemic mental health response toolkit. Practitioner points Effective preparation and careful selection of group members is key to the success of therapist facilitated online psychoeducational groups. Psychoeducational groups comprising didactic and interactive elements are more suitable for effective online group processes. Use of co‐facilitators managing various channels of communication (audio, chat) is important. Group facilitators need to be cognisant of challenges of online medium and address them in an ongoing manner.