Therapists’ Postures: Response to Spinal Alignment

Because effective communication appears paramount in psychotherapy sessions, it seems valuable for therapists to understand the role nonverbal behavior may play in communication in this setting. This study examines how a therapist’s spinal alignment, defined as the organization of the three primary body weights (the skull, thorax, and pelvis) around a vertical plumbline, affects clients’ perceptions of themselves. As measured by the Counselor Rating Form (Barak & LaCrosse, 1975), in this study client ratings of a therapist’s trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise did not differ significantly between when the therapist was sitting in spinal alignment and when sitting with a ten degree slouch. In addition, no significant differences in attributed therapist energy level based on this construct were demonstrated. Possible explanations for this finding and future directions in research in this area are explored.