Helpful Interventions in Working with Individual Clients
These approaches can be useful in any important relationship:
Asking client to move from general statement about an issue to specific details. (e.g. Exactly what bothers you about this?)
Observing obstructive behavior and giving clear feedback about it.
Reflecting back what you've observed, both verbal and non- verbal.
Encouraging client to take responsibility for the problem/solution
Empathizing
Asking clarifying questions.
Being fully present, contactful, respectful of client's process.
Accepting client as s/he is.
Being clear about your boundaries.
Giving advice.
Shifting focus to yourself.
Arguing with client's feelings.
Using humor inappropriately.
Ignoring your feelings and/or theirs.
Paying attention only to content, not to process.
Feeling over-responsible, failing to set boundaries.
Projecting your feelings on to client.
Having a preconceived goal for the outcome or the relationship.