Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, Vol 30(1), Mar 2026, 1-15; doi:10.1037/gdn0000245
Aims: Group therapy introduces new process dynamics when conducted online. Self-view refers to the phenomenon of viewing one’s own image on the screen. The present study aims at investigating how psychotherapists perceive this phenomenon and how they make an active and conscious use of self-view (self-mirroring) to raise awareness in themselves and patients. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 14 Italian group psychotherapists (five males; Mage = 50.92; mean years of experience = 23). Eligible participants had at least 5 years of experience in group psychotherapy and prior experience with online group formats. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method. Results: Three main domains emerged from the analysis: (a) the effects of self-mirroring (SM) on therapists, (b) on patients, and (c) on the group. Therapists reported both benefits—such as increased self-awareness of nonverbal language, self-monitoring, and cohesion with their image on the screen—and difficulties, including altered communication and self-image. Patients were perceived as both benefiting from SM as a resource for self-reflection and experiencing it as a low source of distraction, control, or visual alienation. Group-level effects were described as context-dependent, with SM sometimes fostering background perception. Conclusion: When used actively and reflectively, SM can foster self-awareness and therapeutic reflection. However, it is also frequently associated with mismatch between the therapist’s idea of oneself and the perceived self-image on the screen, underscoring its ambivalent role in online group therapy. Awareness of SM effects may help therapists and patients use it constructively. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)