Resistance responses Flashcards
Simple reflection
acknowledging what the client has said and the reasons for the expressed views as a way of validating the client and, perhaps, eliciting an opposite response
Amplified reflection
Reflect back what the client has said in an exaggerated form. State it in an even more extreme way that the client. Although the client might interpret this as sarcastic, the approach, if practiced subtly, can move the client toward positive change rather than resistance
Double-sided reflection
Entails acknowledging what the client has said and then adding the other side of the client’s ambivalence. This requires the use of material that the client has offered previously, possibly not in the same session
Reframing
Offering a new and positive interpretation of negative information provided by the client
Agreement with a twist
An even more subtle strategy is to agree with the client, but with a slight twist or change of direction that propels the discussion forward.
Shifting focus
Defuse resistance by helping the client to shift focus away from obstacles and barriers. This method offers an opportunity to affirm the client’s personal choice regarding the conduct of his or her own life
Emphasizing personal choice and control
Designed to empower clients to make decisions in his or her best interest. One way to do this could be linking the client’s behavior with their long-term goals and/or values. It also realistically explores positives and natural consequences from choices and behaviors. Ultimately, this reinforce that the client is in control of his or her life in many ways.
Coming alongside:
Therapeutic paradox: The clinician prescribes the problem in a straightforward, not exasperated manner, in hopes that the client will respond to the challenge not to change by trying to prove - contrarily - that change is possible and acceptable
