Mastering Nonverbals for Clinicians
Unlock the Power of Nonverbal Communication in Therapy
As a clinician, you know that what’s left unsaid often speaks the loudest. But do you truly know how to read, interpret, and respond to nonverbal cues in your sessions?
In this engaging CEU course, you’ll gain practical skills to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness by mastering body language, facial expressions, tone, and microexpressions—all critical in understanding your clients beyond their words.
Why take this course?
- Stronger Therapeutic
- Connections
- Enhanced Clinical Insight
- More Effective Interventions
- Reduced Miscommunication
- Increased Confidence in Sessions
Registration Info:
About the Instructor - Joseph Gleed
Joseph Gleed, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician and educator with extensive experience in trauma treatment, psychotherapy, and nonverbal communication. As a therapist and educator, he has worked with trauma survivors, women’s groups, veterans, law enforcement, and individuals facing PTSD, chronic pain, and more. Joseph integrates evidence-based approaches, including Trauma-Focused ACT, EMDR, and somatic therapies, to enhance clinical effectiveness. With a background as an anti-human trafficking undercover operator working around the world, he brings a unique, real-world perspective to mastering nonverbal cues for therapeutic impact.
Course completion & CE info (3 Ethics CE Credits)*
Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, Utah social workers must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion. Approved by the Utah Social Work Association.
**Refunds are available for cancellations with 48 hours notice.
Objectives
This presentation,
“Mastering Nonverbal Communication for Clinicians,” aims to equip social workers with essential skills to interpret and utilize nonverbal communication effectively. Since social work relies heavily on building trust, assessing client needs, and fostering meaningful connections, mastering nonverbal cues enhances client interactions and outcomes.
Learning Objectives & Their Relevance to Social Work
- Identify key components of nonverbal communication and their impact on client interactions.
- Analyze cultural and ethical considerations related to nonverbal communication in diverse social work settings.
- Apply nonverbal communication techniques to improve rapport, de-escalate conflicts, and enhance therapeutic relationships.
- Evaluate the role of nonverbal communication in trauma-informed practice and virtual/telehealth interactions.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and respond appropriately to nonverbal cues in real-world case scenarios.
Event Schedule: Mastering Nonverbal Communication for Clinicians
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM | Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
Overview of learning objectives
Explanation of CE requirements
Importance of nonverbal communication in social work practice
8:10 AM – 9:00 AM | Foundations of Nonverbal Communication (50 min)
Definition and significance in social work
Key types: facial expressions, gestures, posture, tone of voice
Cultural considerations and ethical implications
Case studies & group discussion
(Meets NASW requirement for professional competence and ethics)
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM | Break (5 min)
9:05 AM – 9:55 AM | Practical Applications in Social Work (50 min)
Reading and interpreting nonverbal cues in client interactions
De-escalation techniques using nonverbals
Role-playing exercises for active listening and empathy
Ethical considerations when responding to nonverbal cues
(Meets requirement for ethics and professional development)
9:55 AM – 10:05 AM | Break (10 min)
10:05 AM – 10:55 AM | Advanced Techniques & Case Applications (50 min)
Trauma-informed nonverbal communication strategies
Nonverbals in virtual/telehealth social work
Small-group case analysis and discussion
Q&A session
(Meets requirement for cultural competence and trauma-informed practice)
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM | Summary, Assessment & Evaluations (20 min)
Key takeaways & practical applications
CE post-test (meets NASW requirement for distance learning post-tests)
Course evaluations & final reflections
For accomodations please contact Renova Wellness at the email above.
