Keywords
1. Psychotherapy research
2. Physiological synchrony
3. Psychotherapeutic alliance
4. Embodiment in therapy
5. Heart rate synchronization
A recent study published in ‘Psychotherapy Research’, led by Wolfgang Tschacher and Deborah Meier from the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Bern, Switzerland, has cast a fascinating light on the subtle physiological connections between therapists and their clients. The research, titled “Physiological synchrony in psychotherapy sessions,” explores the concept of surrogate synchrony (SUSY) and surrogate concordance (SUCO), presenting compelling evidence that the physical rhythms of therapists and clients can become synchronized during sessions, potentially offering a novel understanding of the psychotherapeutic alliance. The study’s DOI is 10.1080/10503307.2019.1612114.
This article will delve into this pioneering study, providing insights into the methods used, its results, and the broad implications it may have for the future of psychotherapy.
Background and Objectives
Psychotherapy has long been recognized not only as a psychological but also a deeply interpersonal healing process. It is built on the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client, often referred to as the therapeutic alliance. This alliance is believed to be one of the most significant indicators of successful therapeutic outcomes. The study by Tschacher and Meier aimed to investigate whether this relational success extends beyond verbal and emotional interplay, embedding itself within the physiological processes of the therapy participants.
The idea of physiological synchrony is based on the concept of embodiment, which suggests that the mind and body are interconnected, with emotional and cognitive processes being grounded in physiological states. Previous research had hinted at the existence of physiological coupling between individuals in conversation, with measurable synchronization in heart rates and respiration. Therefore, this study set out to determine whether such synchrony could be observed in the therapeutic context and whether it related to the success of therapeutic interaction.
Methods
The research adopted an empirical approach, meticulously designed with an observational research model. The participants included both male and female clients who were in psychotherapy with professional therapists. Across a multitude of therapy sessions, physiological data such as heart rate and respiration were collected along with standard self-report measures from both therapists and clients after the sessions. The study utilized sophisticated analytical techniques to scrutinize this physiological data for patterns of synchronization while also considering the subjective experiences of the participants as reported in their selfassessments.
Results
The findings of this study were fascinating. Tschacher and Meier discovered that not only did physiological synchrony occur, but higher levels of synchronization appeared to correspond with sessions that were rated more positively by clients in terms of therapeutic alliance. This suggests that when clients felt more connected to their therapists, their physiological rhythms tended to sync up more significantly. These instances of heightened physiological synchrony, or ‘surrogate synchrony’ (SUSY), and ‘surrogate concordance’ (SUCO), shed light on the profound yet invisible ways in which therapy participants are interconnected.
Conclusions
The implications of this research extend far into the realms of psychotherapy practice and theory, suggesting that successful therapy involves a complex dance of mind and body that operates on both a conscious and a subconscious level. The researchers concluded that the presence of physiological synchrony might act as an objective measure of the quality of the therapeutic relationship, which has traditionally relied on subjective reporting to gauge its strength and depth.
Further Implications and Future Directions
This research opens numerous doors for further inquiries. For one, it poses the question of causality – whether physiological synchrony leads to a stronger therapeutic alliance, or whether a strong alliance promotes physiological synchrony. Additionally, there is the question of whether interventions aimed at enhancing physiological synchrony could directly benefit psychotherapeutic outcomes.
Considering the broader scope of psychotherapy research, this study stands at the frontier, pushing the envelope on how we understand the therapeutic process. The concept of physiological synchrony could revolutionize our approaches to training practitioners, modifying therapeutic techniques, and creating healing environments that foster this non-verbal, corporeal connection.
Challenges and Considerations
The study, while groundbreaking, also highlights the intricate nature of psychotherapy research. Measuring physiological synchrony may appear simple on the surface, but it involves complicated processes requiring sensitive tools and meticulous analysis. There might also be ethical considerations, as the process of physiological measurement introduces a layer of intimacy that not all clients and therapists may be comfortable with.
Moreover, there is an understanding that psychotherapy involves intangible qualities that are difficult to quantify – aspects like empathy, understanding, and genuine connection. While physiological synchrony provides a measurable correlate to these qualities, it’s important to remember that they only present one dimension of a multi-faceted healing relationship.
References
1. Tschacher, W., & Meier, D. (2020). Physiological synchrony in psychotherapy sessions. Psychotherapy Research, 30(5), 558-573. doi:10.1080/10503307.2019.1612114
2. Koole, S. L., & Tschacher, W. (2016). Synchrony in psychotherapy: A review and an integrative framework for the therapeutic alliance. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 862. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00862
3. Ramseyer, F., & Tschacher, W. (2011). Nonverbal synchrony in psychotherapy: Coordinated body movement reflects relationship quality and outcome. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(3), 284-295. doi:10.1037/a0023419
4. Marci, C. D., & Orr, S. P. (2006). The effect of emotional distance on psychophysiological concordance and perceived empathy between patient and interviewer. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 31(2), 115-128. doi:10.1007/s10484-006-9008-4
5. Palumbo, R. V., Marraccini, M. E., Weyandt, L. L., Wilder-Smith, O., McGee, H. A., Liu, S., & Goodwin, M. S. (2017). Interpersonal autonomic physiology: A systematic review of the literature. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 21(2), 99-141. doi:10.1177/1088868316628405
In conclusion, the study by Tschacher and Meier expands our understanding of the therapeutic process by demonstrating that the embodiment of emotional states is not only metaphorical but also physiological. Their work underscores the intimate connection between the mind and the body within the healing context of psychotherapy, offering a physiologically grounded perspective to the therapeutic alliance. As psychotherapy continues to evolve, embracing the bio-psycho-social model, studies like this one enrich our comprehension of the intricacies of human connection, ultimately contributing to more effective and compassionate therapeutic practices.