Psychotherapy in the Framework of Embodied Cognition—Does Interpersonal Synchrony Influence Therapy Success?

Summary

Interpersonal synchrony—the non-verbal coordination of movement and brain activity between two people—may help explain why some psychotherapy succeeds and other fails. A narrative review of studies on movement synchronization and on neurological correlates measured with EEG, fMRI, and fNIRS finds that the quality of the therapist-patient relationship is a robust predictor of outcome across therapy schools. Emerging evidence suggests that embodied cognition, which links thinking to bodily and neural processes, fits the data better than classical cognitivist views. However, whether interpersonal synchrony can be voluntarily achieved and how it directly affects therapy success remain open questions. Deeper investigation into these physical and neurological processes could reduce drop-out rates and healthcare costs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mental health problems remain among the main generators of costs within and beyond the health care system. Psychotherapy, the tool of choice in their treatment, is qualified by social interaction, and cooperation within the therapist-patient-dyad. Research into the factors influencing therapy success to date is neither exhaustive nor conclusive. Among many others, the quality of the relationship between therapist and patient stands out regardless of the followed psychotherapy school. Emerging research points to a connection between interpersonal synchronization within the sessions and therapy outcome. Consequently, it can be considered significant for the shaping of this relationship. The framework of Embodied Cognition assumes bodily and neuronal correlates of thinking. Therefore, the present paper reviews investigations on interpersonal, non-verbal synchrony in two domains: firstly, studies on interpersonal synchrony in psychotherapy are reviewed (synchronization of movement). Secondly, findings on neurological correlates of interpersonal synchrony (assessed with EEG, fMRI, fNIRS) are summarized in a narrative manner. In addition, the question is asked whether interpersonal synchrony can be achieved voluntarily on an individual level. It is concluded that there might be mechanisms which could give more insights into therapy success, but as of yet remain uninvestigated. Further, the framework of embodied cognition applies more to the current body of evidence than classical cognitivist views. Nevertheless, deeper research into interpersonal physical and neurological processes utilizing the framework of Embodied Cognition emerges as a possible route of investigation on the road to lower drop-out rates, improved and quality-controlled therapeutic interventions, thereby significantly reducing healthcare costs.