Exploring how therapists and patients synchronize during psychotherapy sessions

Study on the Synchrony and Reciprocity of Bodily Movements and Prosody Between Psychotherapist and Patient During Psychotherapy

Observational Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · NCT06463951

This study looks at how therapists and patients move and talk together during therapy sessions to see if it helps improve their treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other
Locations1 site (Messina)
Trial IDNCT06463951 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the synchronization of body movements and vocal patterns between therapists and patients during psychotherapy sessions. Utilizing advanced technology such as cameras and sensors, the RECiPROsody project records and analyzes these interactions to understand their impact on therapeutic outcomes. Participants will engage in Gestalt psychotherapy while their physiological signals, movements, and well-being are assessed through questionnaires and mobile app recordings. The goal is to uncover the nuances of the therapeutic relationship and how nonverbal communication contributes to successful therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male and female adults aged 20 to 60 who are referred to the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center.

Not a fit: Patients under 20 years of age or those with paranoid or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy by providing insights into the dynamics of therapist-patient interactions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the importance of nonverbal communication in therapeutic settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years old who are referred to the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 20 years of age
* Presence of paranoid or psychotic symptoms
* Admissions to psychiatric Operative Units that have occurred within the last year since the start of psychotherapy at the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Where this trial is running

Messina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Relationship, Professional Patientpsychotherapyfacial mimicryfidgetingrelational synchrony
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.