Examples Of Nonverbal Behaviors In Counselling

Nonverbal behaviors include several factors such as bodily behaviors, eye behaviors, facial expressions, voice-related behaviors, observable automatic physiological responses, physical characteristics, space, and general appearance. Bodily behavior can be expressed as sitting posture and body movement throughout a meeting while communicating with the client. Many eye behaviors are used in a counseling session to keep visual communication open such as one on one eye contact. Facial expressions can change many times during a meeting, like smiles and rising of the eyebrow can tell the client that the therapist just heard some vital details. The tone of voice can sometimes tell a client how important a subject is by changing the pitch of voices or the volume of voices describes as voice related behavior. An example of observable autonomic physiological responses is pupil dilation of the counselor. The physical appearance is another nonverbal behavior between the counselor and the client. The space between the counselor and the client is called the

space behavior in the counseling session. The general appearance of the counselor is observed by the client at the beginning of each meeting. For example, a client was not feeling well yesterday, instead of the client telling the counselor; the client places his/her hand across the top of the head for some type of relief. A counselor can demonstrate that he/she is attentive to the conversation by identifying different nonverbal behaviors. Body gestures are nonverbal behavior that lets the client know that the therapist is listening to their conversation; likewise, nonverbal cues are inferred from body language expressed in a conversation.
The impacts of nonverbal behaviors as a therapist can improve the relationship between the client and the therapist. This behavior is recommended for therapists to having a wonderful communication with the clients. A therapist shows awareness of the client in several ways by means of nonverbal cues. It is very imperative for a therapist to communicate nonverbal behavior because they encounter numerous personality with clients. It has been proven that observant therapist can improve rapport with clients. Active therapists are mindful of the nonverbal cues that are sent to the client. For instance, a therapist is advised not to express negative cue to clients such as frowning in counseling session. Unlikely, it can cause a client to remain resilient about a situation rather than open up about a problem.
There are three main components of active listening such as comprehending, retaining, and responding.

Active listening is comprehension and understanding what a person is talking about. During the comprehending process, the listener is paying attention to how the message is being stated including the body language. While retaining the information from a client active listening was utilized to recall the message. A therapist is retaining the information when he/she provides nonverbal cues to the client in a conversation. Responding to a client involves nonverbal and verbal feedback which is another way of active listening. An active listener will deliver feedback without judging, along with an appropriate response to a client. Therapists are taught to be welcoming to their clients by facing the client squarely; adopting an opening posture, leaning toward the client, maintaining good eye contact, and expressing relax

behavior.
Empathic attending is defined as tuning in deeply with client emotions and feelings to understand the non-verbal and verbal communication that is being displayed. In addition, empathic listening requires the therapist to step into the client world temporarily while discussing a matter. In counseling sessions, a therapist is listening carefully for meaning, strengths, and opportunity for improvement. After listening to the client, the therapist will provide the feedback and clarification make sure that he/she understood the client correctly. The therapist will also recommend strategies as needed in counseling to help the client with an issue.