Varieties of Silence: Understanding Different Forms and Functions of Silence in a Psychotherapeutic Setting

Abstract

Abstract. The phenomenon of silence as a communication is explored in the dialogue between patient and therapist. The focus is on examining silence in the context within which it occurs, providing the opportunity to understand its variations while keeping in mind that the therapist's own awareness of the meanings is also part of what must be considered. Our aim is to highlight some different meanings and functions that silence can play in the psychotherapeutic relationship, from the perspectives of both the patient and therapist. In the closing section, we not only reflect on the more frightening aspects of silence, but also remind the reader that silence has the potential to help individuals reorient their lives, and that shared silence can function as a gateway for healing.

Keywords:

• psychoanalysis
• human communication
• stillness
• power
• powerlessness
• trust
• resistance

Notes

¹ Al-Harahsheh (2012a) gives some examples about silence in Jordan under the heading “proverbs and Hadiths, sayings of Prophet Mohammad”: “Allah (God) said, ‘and when the Quran is recited, give ear to it and keep the silence, that you may be shown mercy’ …  Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) [peace be upon Him] said: ‘My God ordered me to do nine things … my silence to be thoughtfulness’ …  Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, ‘worship is ten parts, nine of them are in silence’ …  ‘if you are a true believer of Allah (God), say the truth or keep silent’ …  Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, ‘glorify yourself by keeping silent’ …  Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said ‘silence is the best worship’” (p. 35).

² When the powerless person is silent in such a context, it will mostly be seen as an act of subordination and the individual's acceptance of the prevailing forms and balance of power.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Harald Victor Knutson

Harald Victor Knutson, Dr. Phil., studied theoretical psychology and philosophy at the University of Zürich, Switzerland, and received his Ph.D. in 1980. He has been a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 35 years. His main fields of interests include existentialism, Jungian psychology and long-term psychotherapy with patients with psychosis.

Aslaug Kristiansen

Aslaug Kristiansen, Dr. Polit., is professor of education at University of Agder, Norway. Her academic interests include philosophy of education, trust, ethics and dialogue, particular in an educational setting. Among her publications are: “How to Develop a Culture of Trust in Schools? Insights from Martin Buber's Philosophy of Dialogue” (2008) and “Silence and waiting” (2012) in Henny Fiskå Hägg and Aslaug Kristiansen (Eds.), Attending to Silence: Educators and Philosophers on the Art of Listening.