Directive Action Behaviors (Right Edge) Flashcards
closed questions
A sentence or phrase that seeks specific information from a client and can generally be answered in one or two words. Commonly begin with words like do, are, does, and is.
–> usually limit clients to a yes or no response
–> used to direct or control what clients talk about
–> e.g., “Does that fit with your experience?”
–> e.g., “Are you having trouble sleeping at night?”
therapeutic questions
Theory-based questions that orient clients toward engaging in positive change.
–> focuses clients on motivation or positive and therapeutic outcomes, making such outcomes more likely
psychoeducation
Statement providing factual information about clients’ diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and intervention strategies; it can be the primary treatment.
–> helps clients understand their condition and implement recommended treatment
–> always intermittently ask if clients have questions
–> e.g., “It’s normal for people experiencing anxiety to have trouble thinking clearly. Is that something you struggle with?”
suggestion
Therapist statement that directly or indirectly suggests, implies, or predicts that a particular phenomenon will occur.
–> may help clients engage consciously or unconsciously in a particular behavior or thinking process
–> can be used with young clients who exhibit delinquent behaviors
agreement/disagreement
Statement indicating harmony or disharmony of opinion.
–> agreement may:
-affirm or reassure a client (validate them)
-enhance rapport
-enhances client’s belief in their correctness of their opinion
-reduce client exploration
–> disagreement can:
-produce conflict
-stimulate arguments or defensiveness
–> e.g., “What would it be like for you if we worked on becoming more assertive in your relationships?”
giving advice
A recommendation to clients to act, think, or feel in a specific manner that casts you in an expert role.
–> provides clients with new ways to act, think, or feel
–> if given prematurely, can be ineffective and can damage credibility
self-disclosure
Complex and flexible interviewing response that can be used as a means of sharing personal thoughts or feelings with the client.
–> can be used to lead clients toward greater insight
–> may increase intimacy
–> may decrease client confidence in the clinician
–> e.g., “When I imagine myself in your situation, I can feel the guilt, but also, a part of me feels angry that my mother would care so much about housecleaning and so little about me.”
approval/disapproval
Favorable or unfavorable judgment of clients’ thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
–> approval may enhance rapport, increase client self-esteem, or foster client dependency
–> disapproval may reduce rapport, increase feelings of rejection, ad incite shame
–> e.g., “Good job on completing the homework assignment.”
urging
A direct power approach to facilitate change that involves pressuring or pleading with clients to engage in specific actions.
–> may produce the desired change
–> may backfire and stimulate resistance
–> may be considered offensive
–> uncommon in non crisis situations
–> e.g., encouraging anxious clients to face their fears
