REGISTRATION IS OPEN • This training is worth 6 Contact Hours
The successful management of resistance is the pivotal point of effective therapy. It is also a critical component in alleviating therapists’ stress. Although most therapists have been trained extensively in theoretical approaches, few have had extensive training in dealing with resistance. This is a fast paced, highly practical seminar designed to teach innovative approaches and ideas to prevent, avoid, and resolve resistance. These techniques are applicable across a wide array of clients and problems, and can be integrated with all theoretical approaches. Emphasis will be on “how to” aspects of resistance management, though the theory behind each approach is provided.
Specifically, this seminar will first present definitions and a model for resistance that empowers therapists in managing the problem. This is followed by a discussion of common mistakes therapists make that promote resistance and a discussion of the general principles for dealing with resistance. More specific approaches and techniques are then presented with particular attention given to utilizing the inherent power of language to circumvent resistance. Common client impasses such as “Yes, but…” and “I don’t know” responses will be addressed. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a broad array of techniques to add to their repertoire and to aid in reducing the stress that accompanies their most frustrating clients.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will have the knowledge required to:
- Differentiate between conventional and modern definitions of resistance. Participants will be able to conceptualize resistance in a manner that empowers them to avoid, circumvent, and utilize it for client benefit.
- Describe and understand the most common errors therapists make that foster and promote client resistance. Explain the pitfalls of over-questioning when working with resistant clients and how to employ more effective alternative approaches.
- Identify basic, overriding principles for dealing with resistance in therapeutic environments. Explain the importance of tending to each principle in therapeutic relationships in order to tactfully manage resistance.
- Understand and explain the inherent power of language with regards to resistance. Employ numerous specific linguistic techniques that circumvent resistance and create therapeutic movement.
- Understand methods for dealing with common difficulties such as “Yes, but…” and “I don’t know” responses.
Program Schedule
| 8:30 Introduction |
– Common, outdated definitions vs. modern definitions |
|
9:30 Break |
Networking |
|
9:40 Techniques for Managing Resistance |
– Common mistakes therapists make that foster resistance (continued) |
| 10:40 Break | Networking |
|
10:50 Continuation of Techniques |
– General principles for managing resistance (continued) – Goal Creating Language and Techniques |
|
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break |
Networking |
|
1:00 Linguistic Techniques |
– Pitfalls of over-questioning and alternative approaches – Techniques for dealing with “I don’t know” responses |
|
2:30 Break |
Networking |
| 2:45 Continuation of Linguistic Techniques | – Understanding and applying the inherent influence of language – Techniques for developing the desire of change – How to utilize the power of priming |
| 4:00 Adjourn | Wrap up and Evaluations & networking |
Presenter Bio
Clifton Mitchell Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, is an international clinical trainer and keynote speaker who has a love for teaching and over 23 years training experience. He delivers practical information in a uniquely entertaining, fast-paced style that is filled with examples from his experience in mental health. For over 15 years, he has studied and presented seminars on methods for dealing with resistance in therapy. In his book, Effective Techniques for Dealing with Highly Resistant Clients, he presents cutting-edge approaches for managing psychological resistance. He has trained thousands of mental health professionals in the management of difficult, perplexing legal and ethical issues and is now introducing his latest training in a exciting, dynamic game show format. He has also been the keynote speaker at conventions and taught hundreds of mental health organizations, businesses, leadership and civic organizations effective techniques for improving communications and for creating change through the precise use of language.
He is a contributing author in therapy books and has published in numerous professional journals including the Psychotherapy Networker, Psychotherapy in Australia, Journal of Personality Assessment, Perceptual and Motor Skills, Psychology and Education, Journal of Psychological Type, The Professional School Counselor, Vistas, and The Advocate. His research includes investigations of therapeutic resistance, legal and ethical issues, subliminal message tapes, stress and coping, PMS, and personality types. His ideas and writings have also been published in Men’s Health Today and Barron’s Financial Weekly. Dr. Mitchell is currently a professor of counseling at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he received the Teacher of the Year award in 2002.
