Exploration of Therapist Characteristics and Therapeutic Models for Work with Difficult Clients

Abstract

Throughout a therapist’s career there will be some clients who challenge clinical skills more than others. For example: these clients may appear to not want to change, they may continue in maladaptive patterns of being in the world or may dispute their responsibility in management of their life. These individuals are often referred to as difficult or resistant clients. These clients challenge the skills and patience of the therapist in ways which can cause the clinician to break or to grow. It is beneficial to explore both the influences of the therapist’s characteristics, such as their preconceived ideas, lack of knowledge or understanding, which may elicit or perpetuate the resistance in a client, as well as effective clinical approaches to address such situations. This paper demonstrates with a case study the application of five theoretical approaches. The difficult client in the case study struggles with external locus of control and unrealistic expectations which are addressed through the therapy.

Keywords

• difficult clients, resistant clients, therapeutic skills