Table of Contents
Why do psychologists use a couch?
Freud acknowledged that this recumbent position is reminiscent of the hypnotic method from which psychoanalysis first evolved. The use of the couch is believed to be useful for both patient and analyst. It helps reduce the natural tendency toward reassurance that is a built-in expectation of social discourse.
Why did Freud sit behind his patients?
Freud had used the couch in his medical practice before the days of psychotherapy. Freud believed that this technique – asking a patient lie down, without making eye contact, to say whatever readily came to mind – could provide new insights for the psychoanalyst.
Why do therapists sit next to clients?
Sitting next to clients makes it easy to touch them spontaneously and naturally with your left hand, without leaning forward awkwardly or leaving your chair. Although many therapists are still taught that any touch is inappropriate or even unethical, it’s an effective nonverbal way to elicit responses.
Why does my therapist sit away from me during therapy?
First, a therapist sits away from a patient for their safety, in case the patient lashes out, which does happen. Secondly, a therapist sits away from you so they can observe your full body language and fully absorb what you are trying to convey to them.
Which side should you seat your clients on?
The right brain detects threat faster, so if you’re working with potentially angry or dangerous clients, that’s another reason to seat them on your left. Sitting next to clients makes it easy to touch them spontaneously and naturally with your left hand, without leaning forward awkwardly or leaving your chair.
Can a therapist lean forward when talking to a client?
There is training: a therapist does not want to lean back or have your body posture away from the client when the client is talking: It can make the client feel disapproved of or invalidated. Some therapists may lean forward when you are saying something important to them some may not.