Rethinking Client Resistance: A Narrative Approach to Integrating Resistance Into the Relationship‐Building Stage of Counseling

Empirical Evidence for the Importance of Conceptualizing Client Strengths

“…For those cases that are most challenging for the supervisee, supervisors might need a more comprehensive intervention. Resources such as Gould's (2008) recommendations for recognizing strengths in resistant clients or Ivey and Ivey's (1998) suggestions for reconceptualizing personality disorders may be helpful. Counselors who are not able to recognize any client strengths may be in need of cognitive development.…”

“…George (2008) suggested strengths‐based counseling as an alternative to traditional behavioral approaches for treating social phobia in children. Gould (2008) recommended focusing on client strengths as a strategy for working with client resistance. Ivey and Ivey (1998) proposed a reconceptualization of personality disorders as adaptive reactions to life experiences and suggested that the client's strengths, rather than symptoms, should be the focus for counseling.…”

The Psychology of Diversity Resistance and Integration

“…It may take many forms, from subtle and unintentional to overt and deliberate, ranging in degrees from mild to severe (Grossman et al, 2007). Conceptually, resistance is a set of covert rules the client has about the nature of seeking and receiving help (Gold, 2008). These rules are particularly important from a diversity perspective because they may apply to characteristics such as age, gender, or race; may reflect a client's comfort level with disclosure; and can affect their willingness to adapt to a new belief system.…”

“…Cautilli et al, 2005). The practitioner should begin from a position of not knowing and allowing the client to tell his or her story (Gold, 2008). It is important to listen and convey support at this point to decrease resistance, whereas efforts to confront or teach the client would produce the opposite effect (J.…”

“…As resistance is a natural reaction to change, it should be anticipated, honored, and integrated into the change process (Brazzel, 2014; Gold, 2008; Hill, 2009). Brazzel (2014) built upon Gestalt psychology in concluding that resistance is a “container for energy” (p. 262) that is necessary, healthy, and essential in organizations.…”