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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Interpersonal brain synchronization associated with working alliance during psychological counseling
Ya Zhang1, Tian Meng1, Yingying Hou1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
Psychological counseling enhances interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) in the right temporo-parietal junction, fostering a stronger working alliance between clients and counselors. This study pioneers fNIRS-hyperscanning for measuring synchronous brain activity in therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Social Interaction
Background:
- Behavioral synchrony in psychological counseling is not well understood.
- Synchrony may be linked to interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) and the therapeutic working alliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate IBS between clients and counselors during psychological counseling versus chatting.
- To explore the neural underpinnings of behavioral synchrony and its relation to the working alliance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based hyperscanning.
- 34 participants were assigned to psychological counseling or chatting groups with professional counselors.
- Measured brain activity synchrony in the right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ).
Main Results:
- Psychological counseling showed increased IBS in the rTPJ compared to chatting.
- Enhanced working alliances were observed during psychological counseling.
- IBS in the rTPJ correlated positively with the working alliance bond.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first fNIRS-hyperscanning evidence of IBS between clients and counselors.
- Findings suggest IBS in the rTPJ contributes to behavioral synchrony and working alliance in therapy.
- Refines the neural mechanisms of therapeutic interaction.
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