During therapy sessions, therapists typically take notes to help them remember important information, track progress, and develop insights into the client's concerns. The specific content and extent of note-taking can vary depending on the therapist's training, therapeutic approach, and personal preferences. Here are some common things therapists may write down during sessions:
Key issues and topics discussed: Therapists may jot down the main themes and subjects explored during the session to maintain a clear record of what was covered.
Emotional responses: Noting the client's emotional responses, such as expressions of sadness, anxiety, anger, or joy, can help therapists understand the client's emotional experiences better.
Non-verbal cues: Therapists pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These cues can provide valuable insights into the client's emotions and feelings.
Goals and treatment plans: Therapists may write down the client's treatment goals and any progress made toward achieving those goals. This helps to keep therapy focused and on track.
Patterns and insights: Therapists may record patterns they notice in the client's thoughts, behaviors, or emotions. These patterns can offer valuable insights into the client's underlying issues and contribute to the therapeutic process.
Interventions and techniques: If the therapist uses specific therapeutic techniques or interventions during the session, they may make note of them for future reference.
Homework assignments: If the therapist assigns homework or tasks for the client to work on between sessions, they may write down the details to ensure consistency and follow-up in subsequent sessions.
The extent to which therapists notice and analyze a client's behavior and non-verbal cues depends on their training, experience, and therapeutic orientation. Non-verbal cues are an essential part of communication and can convey emotions, discomfort, or important information that clients may not express verbally.
Therapists are trained to be observant and attuned to these cues, as they can provide valuable clues about the client's feelings and experiences. However, it's important to note that therapists do not make assumptions solely based on non-verbal cues; they use them as part of the larger context of the therapeutic relationship and the client's verbal disclosures.
The degree of analysis may also vary based on the therapist's theoretical orientation. For example, therapists practicing psychodynamic therapy might pay more attention to subtle non-verbal cues and unconscious patterns, while those practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy might focus more on the client's thoughts and behaviors.
Overall, therapists aim to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment in which clients feel comfortable expressing themselves, both verbally and non-verbally, to facilitate a deeper understanding of their experiences and emotions.