What does avoidant eye contact mean?

In the United States, avoiding eye contact sends the message that you are uncomfortable in the situation. You may be perceived as rude, unfriendly or even arrogant. Depending on the circumstances, you may appear to be submissive or overly dominant.

Do Counsellors like their clients?

Therapists don’t feel only love for their clients. Therapists love their clients in various ways, at various times. But love is around in the therapy relationship, a lot more than we might think or recognise. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, even described therapy as a ‘cure by love’.

Why do we keep making eye contact?

Studies show that making eye contact helps people to remember what you say and do. In fact, when you couple eye contact with body language, it makes them pay even more attention to you. Maintaining eye contact also encourages people to be more honest with you.

What is EMDR in psychology?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a fairly new, nontraditional type of psychotherapy. It’s growing in popularity, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These eye movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events.

Why do some people not like eye contact with their therapist?

Particularly those who are shy or introverted. The warmth, care, interest or love that we may perceive in a therapist’s compassionate gaze may seem “too much” or even unbearable for many who missed or never received it from their original caretakers. Rachel was my first therapy client totally unable to tolerate the eye contact during a session.

Is there any research on the psychology behind eye contact?

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find much theory or research on the topic. Psychotherapists are taught to note eye contact among many other behaviors when conducting an assessment, but statistics regarding when and how eye contact is made in session and what’s considered “normal” are hard to find (except stuff like this ).

What are the cultural norms for eye contact?

Interesting stuff. As is implied, the cultural norms for eye contact vary quite a bit. We Westerners expect and give plenty of direct eye contact, but worldwide it could be seen as disrespectful, flirtatious or even hostile. Making some eye contact may be the standard, but not everyone can do it.

Does therapy make you feel more isolated?

Either way, it’s a problem that can cause the client to feel disconnected from the therapist and dread or even quit therapy. Therapy doesn’t always make you feel better, but it’s not supposed to make you feel more isolated. Why does this happen?