The Magic of Synchrony: Using Movement to Make Therapy Better

It’s no secret that people mirror each other’s movements when they feel connected. This phenomenon, known as synchrony, is a fundamental part of human relating. Synchrony helps us to transcend ourselves as individuals and feel part of something bigger.

Synchrony also works in reverse - moving together in coordinated ways can create or enhance a feeling of connection. And synchrony is one of the ways that Run Walk Talk® works to create a better therapeutic experience for clients than talk therapy alone.

Because trust and connection between therapist and client are so important and have such a powerful impact on outcomes, the synchrony inherent in a Run Walk Talk® session can feel like magic. It allows therapists and clients on a deeper level, understanding their emotions through more than just words. This is especially important when dealing with strong emotions or difficult experiences. Research shows that this kind of coordination is important for building rapport (Bernieri, F., & Rosenthal, R. (1991). Interpersonal coordination: Behavioral expressions of rapport. Journal of personality and social psychology, 60(1), 71).

When a therapist and client run or walk together, their bodies naturally fall into a rhythm. Their steps, breathing, and even heartbeats can start to sync up. The rhythm of running and walking also helps regulate emotions. The steady, repetitive movement can have a calming effect, reducing stress and creating a sense of safety for exploring feelings. Studies have shown that rhythmic activities like paced breathing can help reduce stress (Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Naber, D. (2012). The effect of paced breathing on stress perception and cardiovascular responses to psychosocial stress. Journal of psychosomatic research, 73(4), 263-267).

Run Walk Talk® sessions also provide opportunities for therapists and clients to work together toward a common goal of completing a run or walk together. This shared experience strengthens their connection and collaboration. Research indicates that when people move in sync, they tend to feel more cooperative (Valdesolo, P. Ouyang, J., & DeSteno, D. (2006). The rhythm of joint action: Synchrony promotes social cooperation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 42(6), 693-698).

For therapists interested in learning more about adding movement to their work, the Run Walk Talk® Certification provides training in the principles and techniques of movement-based therapy, focused on walking and running, and including emphasizing the importance of synchrony in building a strong therapeutic alliance. You can find more information about the certification program at runwalktalk.com/certification.