Non-verbal, unconscious communication and affect in the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients

Abstract

In the present article or case study, the question is posed regarding the role and significance of non-verbal and unconscious communication within the context of psychotherapeutic treatment. On the one hand, the communication between the therapist and the patient will be examined more closely; on the other hand, the numerous intrapsychic exchange processes within the therapist’s psyche, which do and must precede meaningful therapeutic intervention, will also be considered. Relevant references to suitable theoretical concepts and empirical research will also be provided. The importance of raising awareness of unconscious interand intrapsychic exchange processes is to be highlighted, as well as the role played by the affect system and its potential psychopathological deficits in working with mentally ill individuals. If unconscious affective experiences can be made accessible to conscious perception, enriched with meaning, and assigned to the subject or object domain, this can, through repetitive working through, lead to a modification of unconsciously represented relational experiences, ultimately resulting in a lasting alleviation of suffering.