The Building Blocks of Communication

The first chapter in “Tools of the Trade” is titled “The Building Blocks of Communication.” The short chapter addresses the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication in developing a therapeutic alliance and when engaging in trauma-informed care. I discuss the salience of language, capturing meaning from what is said, surmising meaning, and being in synch with the client. Next, I point out the ways in which non-verbal communication (therapist and client) contributes to openness and trust. I provide some case examples to illustrate my points. When using stories, art and play, clients engage in both verbal and non-verbal communication, to varying degrees; these communications contribute significantly to conceptualization and understanding of the client. A sensitive therapist observes and engages with the client in a sort of ebb and flow, mirroring and pacing his/her communication in a manner that is a “good fit.”