Exploring how therapists and patients synchronize during psychotherapy sessions
Official title: Study on the Synchrony and Reciprocity of Bodily Movements and Prosody Between Psychotherapist and Patient During Psychotherapy
Run by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · NCT06463951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06463951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 20 years of age or those with paranoid or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the importance of nonverbal communication in therapeutic settings.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
Messina, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giovanni Pioggia — Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
- Study coordinator: Giovanni Pioggia
- Email: giovanni.pioggia@irib.cnr.it
- Phone: +393203390892
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.