How do you address resistance in therapy?

Quick tips

1. “Stay out of the ‘expert’ position,” Mitchell says.
2. “Don’t collude with clients’ excuses,” Wubbolding says.
3. “When you encounter resistance, slow the pace,” Mitchell says.
4. “Don’t argue,” Wubbolding says.
5. “Focus on details.
6. Leave blame out of it, Wubbolding says.

How do you deal with a client with borderline personality disorder?

Key principles for working with people with personality disorders

1. Be compassionate.
2. Demonstrate empathy.
3. Listen to the person’s current experience.
4. Validate the person’s current emotional state.
5. Take the person’s experience seriously, noting verbal and non-verbal communications.
6. Maintain a non-judgemental approach.
7. Stay calm.

How do you identify resistance in therapy?

Common Signs of Resistance in Therapy

1. Not Talking. Every therapist fears the silent session.
2. Small Talk.
3. No Homework/Don’t Use Suggestions.
4. Canceling Sessions.
5. Spinning Your Wheels.
6. You Are Trying Harder Than Your Client.
7. Go With The Resistance: Paradoxical Intervention.
8. Confront the Resistance, But Don’t Fight It.

How do you trust someone with BPD?

The following 9 strategies can help you support a person with BPD:

1. Learn about BPD.
2. Show confidence and respect.
3. Be trustworthy.
4. Manage conflict with attachment.
5. Encourage Professional Help.
6. Identify strengths.
7. Have fun together.
8. Take suicide seriously.

Is it OK to judge a client in therapy?

Never judge the client. It’s nearly impossible to go through life without judging people. Judgment, however, is therapy’s death knell. While all therapists strive to be nonjudgmental, clients can pick up on the slightest hint of judgment.

What happens when a client won’t open up to a therapist?

When a client won’t open up, therapists may feel anxious before therapy. This can erode trust. Commit to managing your own emotions. Meditation, validation exercises, and planning ahead for each session can prevent your emotions from intruding on the session.

Are your clients challenging you as a psychologist?

Challenging clients aren’t just a problem for clinical and counseling psychologists, either. Forensic psychologists, such as those working as postdivorce parenting coordinators, can also face hostility.

When does a therapist have to report a client?

“If a therapist is aware or believes that someone is going to do something like that, they will need to report. This would also extend to secondary reporting in the case of a client [saying] they are aware that someone else is planning something.”