Mental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can provide deeper insight into a client’s emotional state and the effectiveness of our interventions.

Eye movements, pupil dilation, and facial expressions offer powerful clues about what’s happening internally. Research from nonverbal communication experts like Judee Burgoon and team, and Paul Ekman has demonstrated how eye behaviors reflect emotions such as attraction, interest, or distress.

For therapists, this means that observing a client’s eye behavior during a session can help assess whether an intervention is resonating. Is their gaze steady, signaling engagement? Do they avert their eyes, suggesting overwhelm? These cues can help clinicians refine their approach in real-time.

By paying attention to eye behaviors and other physical responses, therapists can move beyond verbal communication and tap into deeper, often unconscious, emotional states. The ability to discern these real-time reactions can lead to more effective interventions and a greater understanding of each client’s internal experience.

As we continue exploring ways to refine therapy practices, these insights serve as a reminder that healing happens on multiple levels. By learning to read the body’s signals, we gain another tool to support our clients in meaningful ways.