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Therapy with Reluctant Clients

Presented By Stanley Brodsky, PhD
Stanley Brodsky, PhD

5 Hours | 5 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Therapy with Reluctant Clients is presented by Stan Brodsky, Ph.D.

This program examines the clinical dilemmas faced by therapists who, for a variety of reasons, are working with involuntary or reluctant clients. These individuals often come to therapy through the judicial system but might also be problem employees or spouses persuaded to enter therapy by their mates. Under these circumstances, working together can be frustrating for both therapist and client. The typical therapist’s skills of reflecting, probing, and supporting often fail with individuals who did not enter into therapy of their own accord—or who, once there, do not engage readily with the therapist.

The inquiring approach to therapy, with its frequent questioning of the client, can have an unwelcome and intrusive quality for poorly motivated clients. Dr. Brodsky demonstrates how therapists can tailor their interventions to avoid impasses, build a firm alliance with the client, and help them develop more productive behaviors. Specifically, Brodsky proposes that therapists adopt a variety of techniques that largely avoid asking questions. Instead, he shows how therapists can make assertive statements about what is happening in the client’s life, identify behaviors, and describe the client's choices. Through the use of case material, Brodsky demonstrates that interacting creatively with reluctant clients can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Intended Audience

This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals

Experience Level

This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.

CE / CPD Credit

APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you will be able to:

Describe at least 5 different approaches to working with reluctant clients

Describe at least 5 ways in which reluctant clients will act out

Describe at least 5 different transition sentences that can be used with reluctant clients

Describe the positive psychology approach to psychotherapy

Describe the group conversation method

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Presented By

Stanley Brodsky, PhD

Dr. Stanley Brodsky is Professor Emeritus at The University of Alabama, where he coordinated the psychology-law Ph.D. concentration for the last 2+ decades. His work specializes in the application of psychological knowledge to offenders, law, and legal issues. In 2006, he was the recipient of t...

Curriculum

1. Responding to Client’s Challenges

2. Coerced and Reluctant Clients

3. Coerced and Reluctant Therapists

Develop a Specialty Area of Practice

Transforming mental health professionals into experts

Expert Instructors

Professional training developed and delivered by the field's leading experts

CE Credit

Earn CE credit for meaningful professional training that will elevate your practice

Convenience & Flexibility

Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!