Managing client resistance in counseling and psychotherapy

Managing Client Resistance in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Abstract

A resistant client is more the rule than the exception in counseling and psychotherapy . It usually is a result of the client feeling threatened in some way . Managing client resistance therefore calls for the counselor to use certain skills . The counselor has to show empathy and adopt active listening techniques to overcome client resistance . The SOLER technique is a time honored stance adopted by counselors which usually helps to break barriers of resistance . The counselor or therapist will usually make progress if he

and the client establish their common goal , acknowledge where and when the client feels threatened and accept the fact that progress may be slow

Managing Client Resistance in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Client resistance is a normal feature in counseling and psychotherapy and one of the regular challenges a therapist or counselor faces . This applies not just to counseling but to all settings of medical practice (Chapelhow , 2005 . A client usually has difficulty in sharing his problem even with close friends and family so opening up to a stranger may be inhibiting . The clinical definition of resistance relates to avoiding self-disclosure in areas requested by the interviewer (Reilly , Charles , and Malley , 2001 . Resistance is usually a defense mechanism against a perceived threat and the counselor has to overcome this with his supportive attitude

Over the decades , behaviorists , psychologists and therapists have attributed resistance to an unconscious attempt to repress memories , a self protective effort to preserve core attitudes towards life and a reluctance to be a part of a process that may change their life script in a negative manner (Corey , 2005 . Very often a client 's resistance is an attempt to protect their loved ones . They believe that a change in their belief or behavior may affect the lives of their family and perceive a disclosure as something that may trigger that change

Some studies have suggested that a moderate level of resistance is necessary for successful therapy and often is a measure of the progress made by the client during sessions (Corey , 2005 . The counselor has to use this resistance productively to move therapy forward . The first visit to a counselor or therapist is often colored with a fear of the unknown , particularly if it was not the client 's idea to undergo therapy . An open , empathetic and non-threatening attitude of the counselor helps overcome this natural initial resistance

SOLER is a recommended technique (Chapelhow , 2005 ) to deal with resistance : it is an acronym for

S : Face the client squarely , both literally and metaphorically

O : Adopt an open , non-defensive posture

L : Lean forward to show interest

E : Make Eye contact

R : Remain Relaxed

This helps to build a foundation of understanding with the client . Any disclosure by or dialogue with the client should be interspersed by empathetic comments . Empathy is the key that unlocks many closed doors in the mind and creates a strong emotional bond

People rarely change for logical reasons . Intellectual discussions about the problem will...