'Interapy' burnout: Prevention and therapy of burnout via the internet

Abstract

Background: In recent years a lot of computer-driven self-help programs have been developed in which no client-therapist interaction whatsoever takes place. These programs have yielded varying successes. The Internet offers new possibilities, including treatment programs in which clients do interact with their therapist, without the two ever meeting face to face. The therapist responds to client input and vice versa. This is the essence of the low-threshold Interapy program for treatment of burnout (work-related stress): www.interapy.nl. In this article we describe the development of this Internet treatment, its procedures and interventions and an outcome study. Method: Randomized controlled trial (n = 133) comparing the treated group to a psycho-education only control group. Results: Significant improvements and high effect sizes on burnout symptoms, anxiety and depression were yielded in the experimental group, in comparison to the control group that received psycho-education only. Illustration: The treatment is illustrated by a case description written by the client (the fourth author) herself. Discussion: The specific elements that explain the high effect sizes of this treatment are discussed.