On body language and facial expressions in the group

Abstract

Communication is much more than a spoken word. Any behavior we can observe, even the absence of action, has the potential for another person to interpret it and attribute a certain meaning to it. In psychotherapeutic process, as in any interpersonal communication, besides verbal, non-verbal communication is constantly present. Patients and therapists may not be aware of their own sensitivity to nonverbal messages that body language conveys. The transition from the analytical couch to group setting enabled the body to return into psychotherapy. One significant difference between groups and dyads is in increased availability of body language and facial expressions in communication than it is case in an individual situation on the couch. We often overlook body language in psychotherapy. The article reminds of importance of body language and facial expressions, which attract increasing attention in modern psychotherapy. Vignettes from group sessions showing body language and facial expressions interacting in the group are also presented.