UNDERSTANDING CLIENT RESISTANCE - METHODS FOR ENHANCING MOTIVATION TOCHANGE

Clients sometimes work in opposition to their therapists, a phenomenon known as ''resistance.'' Such behavior is not simply an impediment to treatment, but also a potentially rich source of information about ea ch client. This information can be assessed and utilized to strengthen the therapeutic relationship, help the therapist better understand th e ideographic obstacles to change, and devise interventions that may m otivate the client toward therapeutic activity and growth. Clinical vi gnettes of three resistant clients are presented, illustrating both th e commonalties and unique factors that lead to resistance across cases . Eight important assessment questions and 10 suggested interventions are listed and discussed in detail. The practical applications of thes e methods in each of the three case studies shed light on how therapis ts can enhance their resistant clients' motivation for therapeutic cha nge.