Combined Telephonic and Online CBT with Performing Artist Suffering from Pandemic Induced Depression with Anxious Distress

Pages: 391-393
Swaroopa Ram Barve1 and Gauri Kadam2 (Department of Psychology, SPPU, Consultant Psychologist at Vidula Psychological Consultancy, Pune, Maharashtra1 and Department of Psychology, D.Y.Patil Arts, Commerce, Science college, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra2)

Although the effects of Covid pandemic on psychopathology among performing artists is still not entirely known, this profession has been affected severely due to its uncertain nature as well as the nature of virus requiring social isolation. Worldwide, there are many efforts from music community to minimize the distress, as an individual performing musician it is difficult to sustain both financially and emotionally because of lack of resources and opportunities to perform. There are many new platforms are opening up to perform however it is difficult for classical musicians especially above the age of 50 to adapt to these new techniques of performance. In the light of these issues and increased psychopathology during pandemic, this case study is an example of effects of online and telephonic psycho-therapy on pandemic related MDD with anxious distress in performing musician. The client, a 57 years old woman and performing vocalist by profession was in the therapy for 6 months during which she took 13 therapy sessions which were conducted both telephonically and online video calls. CBT and existential therapy approach was used for the purpose of treatment. JPMR, cognitive errors, thought log, challenging errors, down ward arrow technique, Systematic desensitization were used. To gain existential insight, empathetic active listening, reflection of thoughts and to deal with pandemic related existential anxiety, existential techniques were adopted.