Halo Data

“Halo data” is the nonverbal communication that the counselee conveys to the counselor during a counseling session. These visual observations that are seen by the counselor are vital for accurate data-gathering and proper interpretation. This could be as simple as, sweaty palms, gestures, posture, eye movement and just general body language. When the counselor learns to listen not simply to what is being said but how it is being said, tone of voice, posture and the like, they will have a much better opportunity to get to the heart of the issue.
In the case of depression this halo data is critical. Typically the counselee will appear sluggish, tired, lost interest in activities, inability to make decisions and have a general hopelessness about them in the majority if not all aspects of life. This will reveal itself often times in simple things first like a lack of personal hygiene, unkempt hair, crying easily, droopy shoulders, often looking down, sad facial expressions, limited appetite or eating too much, sweaty hands, quietness, unwillingness to talk, seclusion or isolation, arms crossed or hands folded on the lap. In extreme cases you will often find this counselee dabbling in the process of cutting as a means of gaining control in some small way over the pain that they are feeling in life.