AI Insight
This qualitative study interviewed twelve psychotherapists in Germany about their experiences with non-verbal communication during videopsychotherapy sessions. Therapists reported that certain aspects of non-verbal communication, including facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body posture, were limited or altered in video settings compared to face-to-face therapy, increasing the risk of misinterpretation. In response, therapists adapted their behavior by increasing deliberate non-verbal cues such as smiling, nodding, and direct camera eye contact, while self-view functionality provided greater awareness of their own non-verbal signals.
Why it matters
As videopsychotherapy becomes increasingly common following the pandemic, understanding how therapeutic communication differs in virtual settings is essential for maintaining treatment quality. These findings can inform training programs for therapists and guide the development of specific interventions to optimize non-verbal communication in teletherapy contexts.
Understand the Science
BackgroundVideopsychotherapy (VPT) has gained in importance since the Corona pandemic. As non-verbal communication (NVC) differs from the face-to-face (FtF) therapy, its practical assessment is crucial for long-term quality improvement.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to investigate how psychotherapists perceive specific aspects of NVC in VPT, in order to derive practical insights and lay the groundwork for future research approaches to improve treatment quality.MethodsSemi-structured expert interviews were conducted with twelve psychotherapists in Germany. The interviews took place from October 2024 to March 2025 and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.ResultsCertain aspects of NVC, such as facial expression, gestures, eye contact, body posture and self-view, were perceived as limited or altered in VPT, which increased the risk of misinterpretation. Having a self-view led to more control over one’s own non-verbal behavior. Therapists reported adapting their behavior by smiling and nodding more frequently, as well as making more eye contact with the camera.ConclusionThe study shows that NVC in VPT is experienced as limited, but can also offer potential. To ensure long-term improvement in treatment quality, further practical studies and development of specific interventions to improve NVC in video settings are required.