Non-verbal communication and the therapist factor in psychotherapy

Current findings and applications

Abstract

Nonverbal communication is a crucial yet often overlooked dimension of psychotherapy, contributing significantly to alliance building, emotional regulation, and therapeutic outcomes. This article explores the role of nonverbal behaviors – including facial expressions, gestures, and postural synchrony – in the therapeutic dyad with a special emphasis on the therapist, whose nonverbal behaviors have often not been considered in psychotherapeutic research. Given the modern Zeitgeist the paper examines challenges and opportunities posed by a rather new and vastly growing development in psychotherapy: teletherapy, where nonverbal dynamics are limited yet also enriched by technological innovations. Through a synthesis of empirical studies and clinical insights, the article underscores the necessity of fostering nonverbal communication skills; – especially in the psychotherapy practitioners – to strengthen the therapeutic relationship in both traditional and virtual settings. The findings advocate for greater emphasis on nonverbal competencies in psychotherapy training to meet the demands of fast evolving therapeutic contexts.