How do you deal with resistant clients?
Quick tips
- “Stay out of the ‘expert’ position,” Mitchell says.
- “Don’t collude with clients’ excuses,” Wubbolding says.
- “When you encounter resistance, slow the pace,” Mitchell says.
- “Don’t argue,” Wubbolding says.
- “Focus on details.
- Leave blame out of it, Wubbolding says.
How do you address client resistance in therapy?
1) Therapist’s inability to develop rapport with the client.
- Managing eye contact appropriately.
- Helping clients feel a sense of relatedness to you.
- Keeping negative topics neutral—avoid framing statements using negative connotations.
- Using the client’s name.
- Setting the tone.
What steps can the counselor take to help clients identify goals for change?
The role of a counselor
- Manage expectations. Adjusting to major change does not happen overnight, and it rarely occurs without stress, even if the change ultimately will be for the best.
- Focus on opportunities.
- Develop realistic goals.
- Take time for self-care.
- Accept change.
- Keep going.
What are some red flags that would indicate client resistance?
The client expresses a lack of desire or an unwillingness to change….Arguing
- Challenging. The client directly challenges the accuracy of what the clinician has said.
- Discounting. The client questions the clinician’s personal authority and expertise.
- Hostility. The client expresses direct hostility toward the clinician.
How do you engage difficult resistant clients?
Engaging Resistant Clients
- Make them as comfortable as possible. You can try to put them at ease by introducing yourself, being personable, reassuring them of confidentiality, and explaining, in an appealing way, how your role works.
- Acknowledge their perspective.
- Find out what they want.
- Use what they find motivating.
What does resistance look like in therapy?
When you feel like a client is not making progress, it is a sign of resistance. They may come in regularly but they keep having the same experiences and don’t show improvement. When you feel like a client is not much making much progress it is natural to feel frustrated and a bit guilty.
How do you know a client is stuck in therapy?
Either go lighter or go deeper! Sometimes people start to feel stuck in therapy when their feelings are becoming so intense that they’re feeling overwhelmed. And then, something inside of them starts wanting to put the brakes on the feelings, and that looks and feels like being stuck.