Comments on: Resistance in Counseling and Psychotherapy

By: pennilesscripple

pennilesscripple — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:58:40 +0000

thanks for posting, that was very interesting
would love to hear an example of the horse technique applied to human beings
i’ve always puzzled over our seemingly inherent contrary nature, and you’re right, it is a function of relationship–we even get contrary in relationship with parts of ourselves

By: jguterman

jguterman — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:47:44 +0000

A “resistant” adolescent grudgingly attends family counseling. They might refuse to talk in the sessions or be disruptive. Rather than cocreating resistance, I might suggest to the adolescent that it might be better if they not attend further sessions. I have gone so far as to insist that such clients not come back. These “resistant” clients sometimes return to the counseling verbose and contributing meaningfully.

By: cchurley20

cchurley20 — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:44:32 +0000

first I acknowledge the resistance. The client and I agree he/she doesn’t want to be in session. I’ll say that they can sit there, and not say anything if they choose for the entire session, and I’ll do the talking for them. essentially putting “words in their mouth.” Clients will often open up and say, “that’s not what I”d say,” or “I wouldn’t say it like that.” Now we’re talking!

By: JINSARA7

JINSARA7 — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:01:16 +0000

What happened when the horse realized that it had been tricked and how would an individual respond to this method.

By: jguterman

jguterman — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:45:10 +0000

PART I:

Good question. Milton Erikson told the story of the horse in his writings, and I did not get the horse’s reaction after it was led into the barn. As for individuals, the point of Erikson’s horse tale is that change is often easier when we go with the resistance.

By: jguterman

jguterman — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:31:07 +0000

PART II:

Erikson’s story is both a literal and allegorical example to show how sometimes how best efforts can take us further and further away from the desired outcome. Sometimes when we go with resistance, the inclination to not change, we are then able to somehow move forward.

By: JINSARA7

JINSARA7 — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:54:42 +0000

Is it not more beneficial to have the individual’s trust and have them taking steps by choice rather than ‘horse method?

By: JINSARA7

JINSARA7 — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:30:34 +0000

If met with resistance, then clearly that individual is not ready for change, a person cannot be made to change, your mind is your most powerful tool, a person can want to change. choice!! it’s a basic human right isn’t it?.

By: newyorktherapy

newyorktherapy — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:50:19 +0000

Resistence to change is natural. But I believe its driven by the fact that the client therapist relationship is not a good fit. And way back when, there were only so many counselors practicing. Now you have choices! And the opportunity to find a good counselor that fits your personality and understands how to correctly minimize your natural resistence.

By: PaulAustraliaTeam

PaulAustraliaTeam — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:18:52 +0000

Thanks for this I have listen to this a few times now and added it to my Video log.