HIGHLY RESISTANT CLIENTS: EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES

4 clock hour Continuing Education Credits are provided as a recorded session if you pass the post-test following the course video content. The certificate of completion will be emailed to you within 10 minutes after passing
the post-test.

Content Areas:
Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship

Resistant Clients

Court Ordered Clients

The successful management of resistance is the pivotal point of effective therapy. It is also a critical component in alleviating therapists’ stress. Although most therapists have been trained extensively in theoretical approaches, few have had extensive training in dealing with resistance. This is a fast paced, highly practical seminar designed to teach innovative approaches and ideas to prevent, avoid, and resolve resistance. These techniques are applicable across a wide array of clients and problems, and can be integrated with all theoretical approaches. Emphasis will be on “how to” aspects of resistance management, though the theory behind each approach is provided.

Specifically, this seminar will first present definitions and a model for resistance that empowers therapists in managing the problem. This is followed by a discussion of common mistakes therapists make that promote resistance and a discussion of the general principles for dealing with resistance. More specific approaches and techniques are then presented with particular attention given to utilizing the inherent power of language to circumvent resistance. Common client impasses such as “Yes, but…” responses will be addressed. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a broad array of techniques to add to their repertoire and to aid in reducing the stress that accompanies their most frustrating clients.

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will have the knowledge required to:

1. Differentiate between conventional and modern definitions of resistance. Participants will be

able to conceptualize resistance in a manner that empowers them to avoid, circumvent, and

utilize it for client benefit.

2. Describe and understand the most common errors therapists make that foster and

promote client resistance. Explain the pitfalls of over-questioning when working with

resistant clients and how to employ more effective alternative approaches.

3. Identify basic, overriding principles for dealing with resistance in therapeutic

environments. Explain the importance of tending to each principle in therapeutic

relationships in order to tactfully manage resistance.

4. Understand methods for dealing with common difficulties such as “Yes, but…” responses.

Outline:
Understanding Perceived Resistance

Developing a Personal Philosophy for Managing Resistance

Caring for the Therapist: Resistance Management = Stress Management

Conventional definitions

Alternative perspectives: Empowering Therapists

Critical Principles for Maximizing the Potential for Movement

Do the Unexpected

Slowing Down to go Faster

It’s All in the Details

Empathy and the Real Reason People Change

The Perils of Assuming a Knowing Attitude

Your Client is Not Making Progress Toward What?

The Great Deception: Just What is a Therapist?

To Ask or Not to Ask, That is the Question

The Problems with Questions

When Not to Ask

Quelling the Urge to Ask

Utilizing the Curious Command for Gentle Movement

Using the Question Wisely

Managing "I Don’t Know" Responses

     Just What Does "I Don’t Know" Mean?

     Responding to "I Don’t Know"

     How to Avoid "I Don’t Know"  Responses

The Classic Pretend Technique: The Good and the Bad

Advanced Responses

Conclusion Other Course Information: Partial credit/partial attendance is not allowed for this course.

If you have any questions about this course or would like to request accommodations, you can contact us If a participant or potential participant would like to express a concern about the CounselorsChoiceAward.com or a continuing education program provided by CounselorsChoiceAward.com, the individual may email Leo.DeBroeck@CounselorsChoiceAward.com. Although we do not guarantee a particular outcome, we will consider the complaint, make any necessary decisions, and respond as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding a refund, you can view our policy page and legal notices found at the bottom of this webpage or you can contact us