Chapter 2
In virtual therapy, diminished access to full body language requires therapists to sharpen attention to micro-cues and environmental shifts.
Therapists must intentionally observe:
Vocal tone shifts (speed, volume, hesitations, emotional undertones)
Screen engagement (eye movement, blinking patterns, sustained or avoidant gaze, visual attention to the therapist vs. elsewhere)
Repetitive or restless behaviors (fidgeting with objects, adjusting seating position, tapping, glancing at phone or surroundings.
These subtle indicators offer critical insight into client emotional states, regulation, and engagement level
Observation Tip: "The Power of the Pause"
Pay attention to moments of silence or hesitations during the session. These quiet moments can often reveal more than words, especially in virtual settings where clients may feel more self-conscious or hesitant to speak.
How to Implement:
Observe: Notice when a client pauses before answering a question or during reflective moments.
Respond: Gently invite them to explore the silence:
“I noticed a pause there. What’s coming up for you in that moment?”
Why It Matters:
The Pause may indicate a deeper emotional reaction or a moment of internal processing, especially for clients with trauma histories.
By drawing attention to the pause, you validate the client's emotional experience and create space for them to reflect, deepening the therapeutic engagement.
This subtle observation can help therapists identify underlying emotions or internal conflict that clients may not feel ready to express verbally yet.