Passive resistance in therapy refers to a client's unconscious or deliberate avoidance or resistance to engaging fully in the therapeutic process. Identifying passive resistance can be challenging, but there are some signs, both in dialogue and body language, that therapists might look for:
Minimal elaboration: The client provides brief, vague, or surface-level responses without delving deeper into their thoughts and emotions.
Changing topics frequently: The client may shift topics rapidly or divert conversations away from more meaningful or challenging areas.
Intellectualization: The client might overuse intellectual language or theories to discuss their issues, avoiding emotional expression or personal experiences.
Avoidance of emotions: The client may steer away from discussing emotions or express them in a detached or disconnected manner.
Lack of engagement: The client seems disinterested or unengaged in therapy discussions and exercises.
Nonverbal cues: Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, crossing arms, or other defensive body language can indicate discomfort or resistance.
Excessive humor: Using humor excessively or inappropriately to deflect from serious topics can be a sign of passive resistance.
Late arrivals or frequent cancellations: Chronic lateness or cancellations might be an unconscious way of avoiding therapy.
Missed insights: The client may repeatedly miss or dismiss insights or interpretations made by the therapist.
If a therapist suspects passive resistance, they can address it using the following approaches:
Open dialogue: The therapist can gently acknowledge the observed behavior and express curiosity about the client's feelings or concerns regarding therapy.
Reflective listening: The therapist can use active listening and reflect back the client's feelings and statements, helping the client explore their thoughts and emotions.
Normalization: The therapist can normalize the experience of resistance, explaining that it's a common part of therapy and can be explored openly.
Exploration of resistance: The therapist can gently explore the reasons behind the resistance, which may be related to fear, shame, or past negative experiences.
Psychoeducation: Providing information about the therapeutic process, its potential challenges, and the benefits of addressing resistance can be helpful.
Creating a safe environment: Ensuring the therapy space is non-judgmental and safe can encourage the client to open up and share more authentically.
Adjusting therapy approach: The therapist can adapt their approach to better suit the client's needs and preferences, fostering a more collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Setting goals together: Collaborating with the client to set meaningful therapeutic goals can increase engagement and motivation.
Self-exploration: Encouraging the client to explore their resistance and its origins outside of therapy can also be beneficial.
It's important for therapists to be patient, compassionate, and understanding while addressing passive resistance, as it often stems from deep-seated emotions and defense mechanisms. Building trust and rapport with the client is crucial to overcoming resistance and fostering a productive therapeutic relationship.