#Reflective listening techniques how to#

These types of flexible communication options can help increase client engagement (Dowling & Rickwood, 2013). Instead, therapists make themselves available via text, chat, or instant message – ways that are convenient for the client. Making use of a blended care approach is important for clients who may not feel as comfortable using just one method of virtual communication, such as videoconferencing technology. There are three important tips that can help therapists engage in today’s virtual world. The above steps can help clients engage, but what happens if clients cannot meet in person? Teletherapy Tips: Engaging Your Clients Virtually Showing clients curiosity and asking the right therapy questions are vital aspects of strengthening therapeutic alliance, building rapport, and maintaining empathy and positive regard, which are all key points in building relationships with clients that can help foster necessary change (Bedi, Davis, & Williams, 2005). Open-ended questions are particularly essential in the first session as therapists get to know and understand their clients. It is important to stay neutral yet curious. In any good interview, remember to ask open-ended questions to find out more detail from clients. Interviewing skills are a part of many therapists’ training and can also form a key part of therapeutic alliance (Ardito & Rabellino, 2011). Use an eclectic approachįurther to the point about structure, clients can lose interest in therapy if only one type of therapeutic approach is taken, with the same set of techniques and methods used.Īn eclectic or integrated form of therapy, which provides unique elements to therapy and can make clients feel more excited about the therapeutic process, can also make the therapist feel more engaged as well. This can often depend on the type of therapy, from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Solution-Focused to Psychodynamic. Structure differs among therapists some can have protocols for what comes first and last. With trust established, structure can help clients stay within the boundaries of sessions. Having the therapist listen intently and take the client’s preferences into account with the treatment decision-making process provides the client with increased incentive to engage. This should be done either when first enquiring about therapy or during the first session. Share with your client the different treatment options and consider their reason for attending therapy. This discussion is especially important for clients who are new to or have limited time in therapy. Incorporate client preferences into the treatment decision-making process This could mean where and how clinical notes are stored, but also when a breach of promise may need to take place, such as if the client threatens to harm themselves or others. Trust for clients does not just mean feeling like they can talk to therapists, but also being assured at the beginning of therapy of what confidentiality means, along with ways in which privacy is maintained. Without it, clients may not feel comfortable opening up for therapists to listen. When therapists keep the focus on clients, this can help to build trust, an important aspect of the therapist–client relationship. Introduce, maintain, and keep confidentiality

Practices that can help therapists stay focused include active listening and clearing their own minds before a session starts.

The spotlight needs to be kept on the client, with the beginning, middle, and end of each session focusing on the client’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. While this might sound obvious, it is perhaps the most important step, but one that can be easily overlooked. How do we do this? Here are six steps to help practitioners: 1. This can mean connecting with them on a level that is personal to them and can be seen as a success metric in therapy (Hill, Chui, & Baumann, 2013). You can often engage with clients by asking yourself the question, “Am I connecting with them?”

#Reflective listening techniques how to#

How to Engage Clients in Therapy: 6 Steps How to Motivate Counseling Clients to Change.Teletherapy Tips: Engaging Your Clients Virtually.How to Engage Clients in Therapy: 6 Steps.