When trying to communicate with clients, oftentimes there are barriers that prevent effective communication. Nonverbal barriers include facial expressions, posture, voice, and physical proximity to the client, while verbal barriers include inherently destructive verbal responses and counterproductive patterns of communication.

A nonverbal barrier that is frequently presented to clients is through the facial expressions that a counselor uses. Facial expressions that communicate inappropriate messages and that should be avoided include:

1. The counselor raising his/or her eyebrows in a disparaging way
2. Too much nodding and/or yawning
3. Unsuitable slight smiles

Facial expressions that are beneficial for the counselor to use include:

1. Using the hands and arms in a moderately expressive way
2. Using gestures that are suitable
3. Tilting the body slightly forward
4. Behaving in an overall relaxed manner

The tones and volume in the voice of the counselor are equally important to focus on in treatment sessions in order to accurately portray nonverbal communications. The counselor should strive to maintain a clearly audible, yet quiet voice that is warm in tone and well modulated to show nuances in emotion. The tempo of the speech should be moderate, and the counselor should strive to avoid mumbling, monotones, halting speech, grammatical errors, prolonged silences, and nervous laughter. The counselor should also avoid clearing his/or her throat too many times.