The body can say a lot about someone’s feelings. Here are six body language signals therapists always pick up on in sessions, whether in person or over online therapy. Learning about these can help you get along well with professionals at a counselling clinic in Brampton.

1. Eye Contact

Therapists focus on eye contact. If someone looks away from their eyes, they may feel shy, anxious, or not excited to talk, but also may be lying. Maintaining eye contact frequently indicates that you’re confident or trust the person you’re looking at. 

Through the exaggerated contact of eyes, therapists at a counselling clinic in Brampton get a sense of the emotions they are attempting to help manage. This goes for patients who see a therapist in person and those receiving therapy online.

2. Posture

The way a person sits can say a lot. Slouching can indicate sadness or sluggishness. To sit straight upright is a sign that someone is alert or involved. Therapists use posture at a counselling clinic in Brampton to measure a client’s mood. For instance, during an assessment for ADHD, a child’s posture might reveal movement or attention problems.

3. Facial Expressions

A smile, a frown or a blank look gives therapists clues to the feelings behind them. They might tell you they’re fine, but they still show sadness. Mismatches like these don’t fly by therapists. 

Facial expressions are also a much-needed form of communication at a counselling clinic in Brampton, where face coverings determine how much therapists can read into their clients’ faces, especially when the subject is assistance for anger issues. A clenched face could communicate frustration, if not words.

4. Hand Movements

Hands are a clue to whether the body is nervous or relaxed. Fidgeting, such as tapping fingers, could signal anxiety. Relaxed hands tend to indicate a calm person. Therapists closely observe hand movements. Even in the era of online therapy, therapists can still see hand gestures on video, which can be beneficial in supporting clients at a Brampton counselling clinic.

5. Leg Positioning

Crossed legs or a marching foot indicate discomfort or restlessness. Open, relaxed legs could be a sign that someone is comfortable. Therapists observe leg cross positioning to figure out a client’s mood. 

For instance, in the course of a psycho-educational assessment for ADHD, a therapist might notice a child’s legs moving a great deal, indicating hyperactivity. This is a crucial point to consider at a counselling clinic in Brampton.

6. Breathing Patterns

There is emotion in the breath. Very fast, shallow breaths could indicate stress or anger. Slower, deeper breaths are typically evidence of relaxation. Therapists monitor breathing at a counselling clinic in Brampton to gauge clients’ feelings. 

This is particularly useful for assistance available for anger issues, since breathing patterns are one way to tell when a person is getting angry.

Why These Clues Matter

Our nonverbal communication can be helpful for therapists trying to understand clients. The whole story isn’t always in the words. Therapists can offer better support by observing these six signals, eye contact, posture, facial expressions, hand movements, leg position and breathing. At a counselling centre in Brampton, such moments benefit therapy, be they for ADHD tests, anger management counselling or any other matter.

Final words

A counselling clinic in Brampton can provide professional care if you seek support. Therapists signal to you through the body that they are welcoming, not threatening. Whether in person or virtually, these professionals can observe what your body is saying and help you heal.