How can a therapist deal with resistance in psychotherapy?

How can a therapist deal with resistance in psychotherapy?

Resistance is a normal part of the therapeutic process and therapists should be prepared to deal with it. By establishing a positive relationship, using paradoxical interventions, and working toward mutually created goals, you can tear down the walls of resistance and help your client make the progress they desire.

What are some techniques you can use to overcome client resistance?

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 engage resistant clients?

Engaging Resistant Clients

1. 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.
2. Acknowledge their perspective.
3. Find out what they want.
4. Use what they find motivating.

How do you overcome a client’s reluctance to work with you?

Here’s advice from practitioners who have eased stressful encounters with their clients:

1. Calm yourself.
2. Express empathy.
3. Reframe resistance.
4. Cultivate patience.
5. Seek support from your peers.
6. Consider terminating the relationship.

How do you respond to resistance?

1. Resistance: Resistance is normal.
2. How do you respond to resistance: Reflective Listening – to be accurate you must really listen to both what the client says.
3. Shifting Focus:
4. Reframing:
5. Agreeing with a twist:
6. Emphasizing personal choice and control:

How do you deal with resistance in counseling?

Many clients resist because counselors focus too quickly on the clients’ feelings, behaviors or sense of responsibility. If a client resists because they feel everyone else has the problem, then focusing on the client presents a miscommunication.” A dose of reality Wubbolding uses a reality therapy approach to reduce resistance.

What happens when you have a resistant client in therapy?

When you have a resistant client, you often leave the session feeling like you just spent the therapeutic hour banging your head into a wall. Put simply, it can be highly stressful and frustrating. Let’s explore resistance and what you can do when you run into it. What is Resistance? The idea of resistance in therapy is complicated.

What is the best approach to coping with client resistance or noncompliance?

The best approach to coping with client resistance or noncompliance is for the therapist to look in the mirror. If all efforts at treatment have apparently failed, then the therapist can step back, regroup, and assess the problem (s) in the treatment protocol.

How do psychologists view client resistance?

Building on the psychoanalytic view, individual psychologists saw client resistance as a self-protective and adaptive process that functioned to preserve core attitudes about the self, others, and life. In both file:///C|/counseling\%20outfitters/Watson.htm (3 of 14) [8/12/2006 10:21:52 AM]