Topic: client engagement and motivation

A better approach is to seek out the motivation behind the belief.

“It’s too much like doing your taxes,” was her verdict.  That’s probably the worst thing I’ve heard anyone say about psychotherapy.

Would you respond to this information with a concerted effort at self-examination and profound behavior change?

Like a stroke patient who suddenly finds himself needing to relearn basic skills that were once automatic, it may require a level of personal commitment unseen for many years.

The challenge is to develop that relationship quickly enough to engage the client and create an environment that promotes success.

It presupposes a patient who agrees with the recommendations, which, particularly with addictions, may not be the case.

What’s the difference? Maybe it’s in how confrontation is used.

Not so much ‘I share your pain’ as ‘I want to show you I understand what you mean.’

Others enter counseling with no intention of changing at all. Their goal is simply to placate some authority.

It’s designed to prevent drinking on impulse, but if I’m an alcoholic with a history of impulsive drinking, do I really want to mess with this?