Identifying that your client may be stuck is the first step toward helping them grow. From there, you can take a few different steps to ensure their symptoms improve.
Reframe what stuck means.
If a client is no longer progressing, Gagerman says it may mean the strategies you’ve employed in therapy aren’t working for them (and that it may be time to adjust the treatment plan). Try to be open to new ways of supporting your client, even if they aren’t what you originally envisioned.
Have an honest conversation.
Be up front with the stuck client about what you’re observing. Depending on what’s going on, you could say, “I’ve noticed you’re not doing the homework I assign” or “I've noticed we’ve had similar conversations for the past several sessions. Have you noticed that, too?” Your client may open up about something in therapy that’s not working for them, whether a particular treatment modality or communication style.
Update your treatment plan.
Getting aligned about what’s going on can support your therapeutic relationship and help you come up with a plan that supports your client’s well-being. Take some time to consider and document your client’s current symptoms, including their lack of improvement with a particular approach. You may decide to introduce a new therapeutic modality or tweak the frequency of your sessions.
Know when to refer out.
If you’ve already attempted changes in therapy and your client is still not improving, it may be time to part ways. It can be hard to accept when a therapeutic relationship isn’t working out, but “we have to own it when we aren’t the right fit,” says Gagerman. If you can’t help the client, refer them to a colleague who treats their presenting symptoms.
