THE NONVERBAL ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THERAPIS T AND COUPLE - AN OBSERVATIONAL AND MICROANALYTIC STUDY

Assuming that non-verbal involvement plays an important role in therap eutic interactions, we designed an observational and microanalytic stu dy of these exchanges in the therapist-couple interaction. The assignm ent is a discussion pertinent to the process of establishing a working alliance and it takes place within a consultation setting that preser ves the necessary synergy between research and therapy. The systemic a nalysis focuses on triadic alliances, as operationalized after Kendon' s model of F-formations. The method of microanalysis is illustrated by the data on gaze interactions of two contrasted triads on the basis o f Marital Satisfaction and Therapeutic Alliance Scales.