Therapists' Expression and Shamed Clients

• Welcome to the BOL Forum on Shame and Affect Theory by John Grohol, 2/10/96
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    • less expressive therapists by linda, 6/7/96
      
      

Linda, I think your question raises a good point. In my experience working with shamed clients I have noticed that they often have difficulty interpreting non-verbal messages. I suspect that many of the non-verbal messages which they have received in the past have been negative or interpreted as being negative. Once the person has internalized many shaming negative non-verbal messages, I suspect that they loose their ability to internalize positive, non-shaming messages also. If we as therapist's are relatively unexpressive, it may be difficult for our clients to interpret our non-vebal messages also. I think that this may inadvertently contribute to further shaming. If our usual style of working is less expressive, then I think we must make every attempt to ensure that our clients understand both the content and the intent of what we say and don't say.

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