Unconscious hand movements as markers of change in therapy processes: Introduction into casework of an instrument for analysis of nonverbal behavior in psychotherapy sessions

Abstract

Background: In psychotherapy the systematic observation of movement behavior is used, for example, to record symptom change processes and information about the therapeutic working relationship. The NEUROGES® short scales are an instrument for the analysis of nonverbal behavior in therapist-patient interactions. The system is based on the descriptive NEUROGES® system for the analysis of movement behavior. The procedure was originally developed based on neuroscientific studies. Method: A case study is presented to highlight the method of the NEUROGES® short scales as well as the application and benefit for psychotherapists in the clinical practice, for example for a posteriori analysis of individual sessions. Results: The NEUROGES® short scales can be used for the screening of nonverbal movement parameters and the detection of movement patterns during the video analysis of therapist-patient interactions. Diverse movement parameters are informative concerning the implicit interaction during the session. Conclusion: The NEUROGES® short scales provide information on nonverbal behavior, its diagnostic assessment and symptom development. They enable reflection of the session processes by medical and psychological psychotherapists during the professional practice and can be used in supervision and peer consulting groups.