The Importance of Fighting Resistance
At any stage of seed therapy, the specialist has to face resistance from clients. This is caused by different factors and causes but equally exacerbates the process of therapy. The fact is that such a phenomenon gives rise to individuals not only unwillingness to cooperate with a professional but also skepticism towards the services provided (Patterson et al., 2018). Such an approach to therapy makes the process itself useless, which predetermines the need for a specialist to deal with it. Resistance protects family members from encountering phenomena they may not have the resources to deal with (Patterson et al., 2018). Usually, it is about protection from pain, suffering, strong aggression, rejection, and the collapse of the system. However, the reverse side of such work of resistance, as a rule, is no less “destructive” processes – boredom, resentment, and loss of interest in each other.
Resistance at the Problem Stage
The resistance that arises at this stage of therapy can take many forms, for example, a scapegoat demonstration by the family. Usually, such a family immediately explains the existing problems by the fact that one of them is inadequate. Attempts by the therapist to question family members about other aspects of the problem are met with resentment. Dealing with this form of resistance requires demonstrating to the family how pathological communication creates a scapegoat and reinforces him in that role.
The second possible scenario is a form of “delegation of authority.” In such a situation, only one family member is included in the story of the problem – the “expert” who knows the most about it and, as a rule, has already taken steps to solve it (Patterson et al., 2018). The therapist is forced to communicate with “authority”, while the rest of the therapy is not included, looks bored, and may avoid interaction with the therapist and with each other (Patterson et al., 2018). Family relations do not involve any disputes and lively discussions; decisions are made by the leader. However, behind the tacit consent of others, irritation can accumulate, which can manifest itself in unexpected outbursts of intense anger (Metcalf, 2018). The task of the therapist is to include in the process of discussion all, including peripheral, members of the family system, with a demonstration of respect for the opinion of each of them.
The third situation is a form of “dreary process”. Work is perceived as dull and useless; family members show irritation when answering questions and detachment from what is happening. The remarks of family members are restrained, and the expression of feelings is frozen (Perlesz et al., 2018). Disturbances in the family structure play a large role in maintaining this kind of resistance, as a result of which family members have formed the habit of thinking and acting stereotypically, avoiding the risk of clarifying the situation (Perlesz et al., 2018). In such a situation, the therapist needs to pay attention to the feelings and conditions of family members.
Finally, it is important to analyze the form of “denial of the family problem.” The family, having asked for help, nevertheless tries to convince the therapist that they are “generally doing well”. Usually, this type of resistance is due to the importance of preserving for the family its “ideal image” (Perlesz et al., 2018). Such a phenomenology is characteristic of families that are distinguished by a rigid, rigid structure of relationships. People adhere to common standards and are preoccupied with the rules of behavior; therefore, in therapy, they behave “correctly” and try “not to say too much” (Perlesz et al., 2018). Useful is a group discussion that clarifies the family’s understanding of the problem situation.
This stage must be singled out as one of the most important in your entire therapy. The fact is that it is the correct statement of the problem that will ensure the future effectiveness of the intervention. To overcome resistance here, the specialist needs to confront clients, pointing out their weaknesses (Perlesz et al., 2018). At the same time, it is necessary to interact with absolutely every family member in such a way that a general picture of reality emerges from their reasoning.
Resistance at the Stage of Psychotherapeutic Intervention
This stage of psychotherapy is normally characterized by increased attention of family members to what is going on, experimentation, and the choice of the most acceptable ways of interaction. The task of the therapist is to support any manifestation of a healthy interaction by confronting or noticing signs of resistance (Patterson et al., 2018). At this stage, resistance can be expressed as follows:
- demonstration of weak interest and indifferent consent. The conflict within the system is devalued, and in order to get away from its manifestations, family members tend to quickly complete the “tasks” of the therapist. In such a situation, the decisions made will be easily forgotten, the agreements will be denied, and the plans will not be fulfilled (Metcalf, 2018). Family members also readily agree to any suggestions, opinions, or prescriptions of the psychotherapist and then do not follow any of them. In such a situation, the therapist should discuss being too quick to change and accept the proposed task.
- refusal to complete the therapist’s session assignments or homework assignments. If the resistance at this stage of therapy is due to a rigid family structure, there may be a tendency to withdraw, interrupt therapy and try to solve problems without outside help (Metcalf, 2018). When confronted with such families, the therapist needs to ensure that family members understand that they are in charge of their own future.
To deal with resilience at this stage, the therapist needs to be creative. This is explained by the fact that the profession does not imply universal signs; accordingly, an individual approach must be used. At the same time, the therapist must take into account the wishes of the family in such a way as to make their goals his tasks. Important that during the intervention, the strategy should be adjusted as resistance weakens.
Resistance at the End of the Therapy Process
At this stage of family therapy, family members summarize and discuss their experiences and sum up the work done. However, the changes occurred due to the inclusion of the psychologist in the family system; therefore, at this stage, resistance often arises due to the fear of parting with the therapist and unwillingness to end the relationship (Metcalf, 2018). If family members strive to complete the therapeutic process faster, they risk devaluing the experience and not learning anything. In the event that the therapist notices excessive haste or nervousness, he can turn to a discussion of the various processes taking place in the family. The emergence and discussion of resistance to change are possible at any stage of psychotherapy (Metcalf, 2018). It is important to note that they always mark both the desire of the family to change and the fear of these changes. Dealing with resistance requires the mindfulness and creativity of the therapist.
Problems of Novice Specialists
The most common problem for beginners is the lack of self-righteousness. In other words, the professional succumbs to the pressure of clients, which makes him a loser. In order to avoid this, the therapist must be cold and objective. In other words, manipulations, emotions, or eccentric behavior of clients should not work for him (Metcalf, 2018). It is necessary to abstract from provocations and concentrate on achieving the goals set before therapy.
References
Metcalf, L. (2018). Marriage and Family Therapy. A Practice-Oriented Approach. Springer Publishing Company.
Patterson, J., Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Chamow, L., & Grauf-Grounds, C. (2018). Essential skills in family therapy, third edition. From the first interview to termination. Guilford Publications.
Perlesz, A., Mason, B., & Flaskas, C. (Eds.). (2018). The space between. Experience, context, and process in the therapeutic relationship. Taylor & Francis.