In any therapeutic journey, it's crucial to recognize behaviors that might hinder progress. Treatment-interfering behaviors are patterns that can disrupt the effectiveness of therapy, making it challenging for individuals to achieve their goals. Understanding these behaviors is the first step toward creating a more productive and supportive therapeutic environment.
Therapy is not like a visit to a medical doctor. It takes a very active effort on your part in order to be most successful. You will have to work on things both in and outside of session.
Common treatment-interfering behaviors include:
Showing up late to sessions.
Not engaging during sessions by not answering questions, shrugging, saying "I don't know," or blaming the therapist for problems.
Canceling sessions at the last minute.
Consistently not engaging with the homework that the therapist has assigned.
Regularly threatening to quit therapy.
Not acknowledging that there is a problem or anything you would like to change about your life.
Blaming other people for problems in your life and talking about others' behavior instead of your own feelings.
Expecting the therapist to "fix" you and offer solutions to their problems.
Lying about important things or changing a story that is significant in therapy.
Every three months, we will review goals and go over your progress. If anything about what occurs in our session or about the counseling process itself troubles or disappoints you, we strongly encourage you to talk about that in our sessions so we can address your concerns.
By identifying and addressing treatment-interfering behaviors, both clients and therapists can work towards a more effective and collaborative therapeutic process. If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself or a loved one, discussing them with your therapist can lead to meaningful changes and a more successful therapy experience. Remember, acknowledging and working through these patterns is a vital part of the healing journey.
Reference: Hayes, Heather (2023). [What is Treatment-Interfering Behavior?](https://www.heatherhayes.com/what-is-treatment-interfering-behavior/)
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