You're faced with a client resistant to receiving help. How can you break through their barriers?

1 Build Trust

To break through resistance, building trust is fundamental. Start by listening actively to your client's concerns and showing empathy for their situation. Validate their feelings without judgment, and share your own experiences if appropriate, to establish common ground. Trust is a bridge built over time, so be patient and consistent in your approach, demonstrating that you are a reliable source of support and understanding.

2 Respect Boundaries

It's important to respect your client's boundaries while trying to help them. Pushing too hard can reinforce resistance and damage the relationship. Instead, acknowledge their right to make decisions about their own life, and offer options rather than ultimatums. By giving them control, you create a space where they can feel safe to explore their feelings and the help available to them.

3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is essential when dealing with a resistant client. Avoid jargon and speak plainly about how you can support them. Make sure they understand that they are not alone and that help does not equate to weakness. Clarify any misconceptions they might have about the support process and reassure them that their concerns are being heard and addressed.

4 Offer Choices

When someone is resistant to help, providing them with choices can empower them. Let them know they have a say in their support plan and involve them in the decision-making process. This can help reduce feelings of helplessness and encourage a sense of ownership over their journey to wellbeing. Choices foster autonomy and can lead to more engagement in the support process.

5 Highlight Benefits

To encourage a resistant client to accept help, focus on the benefits of support. Discuss how the resources and strategies available can improve their situation. Highlight success stories of others who were once hesitant but found value in accepting help. It's crucial to connect the dots between the support offered and the positive outcomes they can expect.

6 Stay Patient

Patience is perhaps the most vital quality when supporting a resistant client. Change doesn't happen overnight, and it's important to recognize and celebrate small victories along the way. Be there as a consistent source of encouragement, and remember that your client's journey is unique to them. Your steadfast presence can make all the difference in helping them move forward at their own pace.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?