Who are you in therapy: Exploring different types of clients
Let it be on Linkedin or Instagram, for the past few days my algorithm has been raving about "Adolescence" (the series on Netflix). A total of 4-episodes, this series is not only gripping, but really puts out the idea of “ toxic masculinity”, “fitting in” in a “High school setting”, “generational trauma” among others. But one other element that stood out to me was the protagonist as a “Client” in episode 3. During the entire episode, Jeremy behaved as both a - “Resistant” and a “Manipulative” client. Now this blog would not be about Jeremy’s character or even the series as a whole (while maybe that could even be the topic of our future blog), we would instead be focusing on the “Types of clients” that are very much commonly visible in a “Therapy session”.
Just like no two people look the same, except for fraternal twins, and no two individuals live the same lifestyle, no two clients are alike when they enter a therapy setting. Isn’t it intriguing to think about? This presents a unique challenge for therapists, who must adapt their approach to suit each client’s needs. In this blog post, I’d like to play a game of charades with you. I will present information about different types of clients you might encounter in a therapy room in the form of a quiz.
The Talking Charades game starts now:
The first client’s characteristics look as the following:
Clients typically read/research about all the necessary information prior to their session. This includes learning details about the symptoms related to their potential diagnosis and an overview of the therapy session process.
These types of clients are quite self-aware of their issues, and many of them are very focused on finding solution oriented processes.
The options for this client are:
Manipulative.
Resistant.
Vocal.
Demanding.
Knowledgeable.
Correct option: (Knowledgeable).
2. The second client’s characteristics look as the following:
These clients often appear to be avoidant or overly sensitive about certain topics. As soon as they start to feel uncomfortable, they tend to change the subject immediately.
Additionally, they have a tendency to "gaslight" in a therapeutic setting, causing the therapist to question their methods or what has been said. Lastly, the client prefers to maintain control over themselves and the session, rather than allowing the therapist to guide the process.
The options for the same are:
Demanding.
Knowledgeable.
Vocal.
Reserved.
Manipulative.
Correct option: (Manipulative).
3. The third client’s characteristics look like this, who are they ?
They are very open, and do not have any difficulties in talking about their presenting issues/problems. In other words, they are considered to be very proactive in sessions.
They engage themselves in a lot of self-reflection and are also very expressive with their emotions and cooperate very well with the therapist and the whole process.
The options for the same are:
Manipulative.
Vocal.
Reserved.
Knowledgeable.
Demanding.
Correct option: (Vocal).
4. The fourth and the last client’s characteristics look like this, who are they ?
They are considered to be the complete opposite of the previously mentioned clients. They find it slightly harder to express themselves, or even open up.
They are not that “into” the whole therapeutic process, and usually you can find them answering the therapist's questions in one phrase or two. Along with that, they might even have difficulties in “naming” emotions that they might be feeling.
The options for the same are:
Vocal.
Manipulative.
Reserved / closed off.
Demanding.
Knowledgeable.
Correct option: (Reserved).
I hope you all had as much fun playing and guessing in the game as I did creating it for you. For those who have said that "studying and fun" cannot go together, well, surprise! We just proved them wrong. I hope you’re leaving this blog post feeling a little brighter and more knowledgeable. If you'd like to see more fun and engaging content, please let us know in the comments section! A side note for all the aspiring and practicing therapists: Even though I have not yet provided therapy professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to observe several therapists in action. Hats off to everyone aspiring to be a therapist! It can be challenging to empathize with a diverse range of clients, but we all learn through experience. Until the next blog post, take care, you lovely human beans!
