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I was preparing some materials for one of my courses the other day, and whilst looking at the section on therapists’ beliefs and how it affects our work with clients, it prompted me to consider this theme in this blog.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for quite a few years, where in many circumstances people enter treatment as part of their court order or under some other pressure, I regularly heard comments from my colleagues who found some clients not sufficiently motivated, or “playing the system”, or “resistant” in some sort of way.
I have learnt for myself a long time ago that when someone appears to be “resistant” or “difficult”, the first thing to consider is: what is it I am believing about myself or the client that contributes to this difficulty?
So, below is a selection of beliefs and assumptions that may impede the progress of your work in assisting a client/patient (or a family member/friend, for that matter), towards recovery. (I’ve had some practice at most of these myself over the years!).
I’ve included some possible alternative beliefs that you may wish to consider in relation to a client who triggers off your own insecurities and anxieties.
Please note that none of these are actually TRUE. (My psychotherapy modality is based on the principle that all our “reality” as we know it is just a construct, and nothing is “real” except what we make real for ourselves).
But to me the alternative beliefs suggested on the right hand side are simply more USEFUL, as they empower me to work more positively with my clients to help them move on in whatever direction they chose to go.
Not all of these may be applicable to you, but if any are, just notice what difference “trying on” the alternative belief makes in your feelings towards your client, yourself and the work you are doing together.
Beliefs about individual’s ability to take responsibility for themselves
Beliefs about individual’s “resistance”
Assumptions about people based on previous experience
Beliefs/feelings about expression of emotion and traumatic life experiences
Hope you find some of these enlightening – would appreciate your comments!
Really excellent stuff!! This all makes so much sense and should be very helpful. I for one can strongly recommend this self-help material for practitioners.
Masha, have you read ‘How Clients Make Therapy Work’ by Bohart and Tallman? Thanks for this blog.
Thanks David – no, I haven’t read the Bohart & Tallman book, I’ll look it up! Clients indeed are the ones who make therapy work – the practitioner is there as a mere guide on this wonderous journey, but it is the client who chooses the destination.
the bohart book is a classic, an essential read
Hi this is good, although personally a little binary, however they are core concepts within working with those that are looking to therapy, however what do you do with a client that is there to move through the system. In my experience this has been particularly problematic with gang affiliated clients. There are essentially four other people in that room apart from the therapist and the client. The gang, the code, the mission and the human. Having an understanding of those constructs is very neccessary in being able to interact at a human level if your goal is a therapeutic relationship. There is a fascinating check list in the book “Games Criminals Play” by Alan and Bosta, on how the therapeutic relationship can be abused… but this boook is aimed at a very specific group, but I think its usefull as an awareness tool as a therapist
This is fantastic Masha. I couldn’t agree more with your assertions. what a wonderfully open and liberated perspective you give. As a counsellor working in the addiction field i have always tried to follow these principles. It’s a hard slog at times trying to help other professionals to respond in the same way to the chalenges of client work, but it is so important that we maintain this effort.
Again, thank you. Take care. Karl.
Good to see you like Masha’s blog, it is one of my favourites.
I’m meeting her today in cardiff – she is coming down from Manchester – to discuss how we can work together and help this community continue its journey.
Thanks for all your interesting comments and support, KArl.
