Therapy Tips: Navigating Difficult Client Situations

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT CLIENTS NAVIGATE CHALLENGES

2. Numbness / Emotional Disconnection

What Is It – Feeling “nothing” or disconnected from emotions.
Signs – Flat tone, intellectualising feelings, stillness, “I’m blank.”
Underneath – Trauma shutdown, learned disconnection, logic as shield, overwhelm.
What You Can Do – Normalise, invite gentle awareness, use metaphor, ground.
Questions – Somatic: “What do you notice now, even if nothing?” Emotional: “When did you learn to switch off?” Grounding: “What helps you feel 1% more here?”
Tips – Go slow, don’t force feeling, honour small shifts.

3. Emotional Shutdown / Freeze

What Is It – Nervous system immobilises; stillness as protection.
Signs – Blank stare, minimal speech, slowed movement, “I don’t know.”
Underneath – Overwhelm, trauma reactivation, shame, depletion, protective part.
What You Can Do – Regulate before exploring, normalise freeze, invite small sensations.
Questions – Somatic: “Is there one part of you that feels okay?” Emotional: “What might your body be protecting from?” Grounding: “Do you want to sit quietly or talk?”
Tips – Prioritise safety, short sentences, permission to pause.

4. Overthinking / Intellectualisation

What Is It – Staying in analysis to avoid feeling.
Signs – Long rational explanations, “should” language, little emotion.
Underneath – Fear of losing control, discomfort with vulnerability, past shaming of feelings.
What You Can Do – Gently bring attention to body, slow pace, invite non-verbal expression.
Questions – Somatic: “What happens in your body as you explain?” Emotional: “If thinking stepped aside, what might you feel?” Grounding: “Want to try this without words?”
Tips – Honour intellect as strength, bridge head and heart.

5. Looping / Repetitive Storytelling

What Is It – Recounting the same events without new insight.
Signs – Same phrases each session, focus on details over feelings.
Underneath – Unprocessed emotion, safety in familiarity, fear of next step.
What You Can Do – Reflect the loop, ask what’s new, invite here-and-now focus.
Questions – Somatic: “What do you feel in your body telling this again?” Emotional: “What part of you needs to keep this alive?” Grounding: “Shall we pause the story and notice right now?”
Tips – Validate story’s importance, gently open new doorways.

6. Emotional Flooding / Overwhelm

What Is It – Intense wave of emotion disrupts presence.
Signs – Rapid speech, shaking, crying, panic, rage.
Underneath – Trauma trigger, unprocessed emotion, fear of being consumed.
What You Can Do – Co-regulate first, anchor in body, allow small waves.
Questions – Somatic: “Where is most activated?” Emotional: “If this feeling could speak, what would it need?” Grounding: “Want to slow breathing before continuing?”
Tips – Safety first, calm tone, short language.

7. Defensiveness / Guardedness

What Is It – Protecting self through argument, deflection, or shutting down.
Signs – Quick justifications, challenging therapist, crossed arms.
Underneath – Fear of blame, past criticism, shame.
What You Can Do – Stay non-defensive, validate self-protection, seek underlying need.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s your body doing right now?” Emotional: “What feels important to protect?” Grounding: “How can we make this feel safer?”
Tips – Welcome concerns, model openness, slow down pace.

8. Silence / Discomfort with Stillness

What Is It – Avoiding or filling quiet moments.
Signs – Nervous chatter, shifting in seat, looking away.
Underneath – Fear of judgment, discomfort with self-reflection, trauma memories.
What You Can Do – Normalise silence, model comfort, name what’s happening.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s the quiet like in your body?” Emotional: “What comes up in the silence?” Grounding: “Want to try sitting with quiet for 30 seconds?”
Tips – See silence as fertile space, hold steady presence.

9. Projection / Transference

What Is It – Relating to therapist as if they were someone from past.
Signs – Attributing intentions, reacting to neutral comments, using past-relationship language.
Underneath – Unresolved attachment wounds, past betrayal, unmet needs.
What You Can Do – Stay grounded, reflect observations, explore history safely.
Questions – Somatic: “What happens in your body here?” Emotional: “Who does this remind you of?” Grounding: “Shall we explore past or stay here?”
Tips – Steadiness + empathy, keep boundaries intact.

10. Boundary Testing / Dependence

What Is It – Pushing limits or over-relying on therapist.
Signs – Frequent out-of-session contact, distress at limits.
Underneath – Fear of abandonment, attachment insecurity, testing reliability.
What You Can Do – Name limits kindly, co-create support plan, reassure consistency.
Questions – Somatic: “Where do you feel fear of distance?” Emotional: “What do boundaries mean to you?” Grounding: “What supports help between sessions?”
Tips – Frame limits as care, be consistent, name needs.

11. Avoidance / Vagueness

What Is It – Skirting around topics or giving unclear responses.
Signs – Generalities, humour, topic shifts.
Underneath – Fear of exposure, shame, distrust.
What You Can Do – Gently name avoidance, invite specifics, offer choice to pass.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s happening in your body as we near this?” Emotional: “What feels hard to name?” Grounding: “Want to return later?”
Tips – Respect timing, build safety before depth.

12. Conflicting Inner Parts

What Is It – Parts of self pulling in different directions.
Signs – Ambivalence, self-contradiction.
Underneath – Protective vs. growth parts, unresolved trauma.
What You Can Do – Map parts, give each voice, seek harmony.
Questions – Somatic: “How does each part feel physically?” Emotional: “What’s each part’s fear?” Grounding: “What’s one step both agree on?”
Tips – Don’t rush resolution, honour all parts.

13. Lack of Somatic Awareness

What Is It – Difficulty sensing body cues.
Signs – “I don’t know” to body questions.
Underneath – Disconnection, trauma, unawareness of interoception.
What You Can Do – Start simple, use senses, normalise learning curve.
Questions – Somatic: “Can you feel your feet?” Emotional: “When do you notice your body most?” Grounding: “Let’s try a simple body scan.”
Tips – Micro-practices, celebrate progress.

14. Stuckness Despite Insight

What Is It – Understanding without change.
Signs – “I know why, but I still…”
Underneath – Fear of action, benefit of old pattern.
What You Can Do – Explore readiness, address fears, support small action.
Questions – Somatic: “What happens in body when you think of change?” Emotional: “What would you lose by moving forward?” Grounding: “One small step today?”
Tips – Honour timing, celebrate micro-movement.

15. Therapist Getting Triggered

What Is It – Therapist’s own material activated.
Signs – Strong reactions, losing neutrality.
Underneath – Mirroring past, challenged values, unresolved trauma.
What You Can Do – Ground, pause, seek supervision, self-process.
Questions – Somatic: “Where do I feel this?” Emotional: “When else have I felt this?” Grounding: “Do I need support?”
Tips – Triggers = signals, not failures.

16. Client Wanting Quick Fixes

What Is It – Urgency for instant results, avoiding depth.
Signs – “Just tell me what to do,” skipping steps.
Underneath – Discomfort with vulnerability, crisis thinking, unrealistic expectations.
What You Can Do – Set realistic pace, explore urgency, link speed to safety.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s urgency feel like in body?” Emotional: “What’s the fear if this takes time?” Grounding: “Can we agree on small goals first?”
Tips – Pace gently, reframe progress as layered.

17. Difficulty Building Rapport

What Is It – Connection slow to form.
Signs – Minimal disclosure, formal tone.
Underneath – Distrust, cultural difference, past hurt.
What You Can Do – Find shared language, validate pace, adjust style.
Questions – Somatic: “How’s your body here with me?” Emotional: “What would help this feel safer?” Grounding: “Would you like to set today’s agenda?”
Tips – Relationship over technique, patience.

18. Distrust / Scepticism

What Is It – Doubting therapist or process.
Signs – Testing questions, reluctance to share.
Underneath – Past betrayal, fear of dependence.
What You Can Do – Welcome questions, show transparency, avoid defensiveness.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s distrust feel like?” Emotional: “What would help you test less?” Grounding: “Want to know more about how this works?”
Tips – Trust is earned, go steady.

19. Minimising Own Pain

What Is It – Downplaying distress.
Signs – “It’s not that bad,” smiling through pain.
Underneath – Fear of burdening, comparison, shame.
What You Can Do – Gently validate impact, invite specifics, mirror back.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s body say about this?” Emotional: “If you didn’t minimise, what would you feel?” Grounding: “Can we stay with this a moment?”
Tips – Respect defence, affirm worthiness of care.

20. Inability to Articulate Feelings

What Is It – Struggling to name emotions.
Signs – “I don’t know,” vague terms.
Underneath – Low emotional literacy, suppression history.
What You Can Do – Offer feeling lists, use metaphor, invite body cues.
Questions – Somatic: “What’s sensation here?” Emotional: “If this were weather, what would it be?” Grounding: “Want to point instead of say?”
Tips – Normalise, scaffold skills, use creative tools.

Navigating Challenges with Clients — Role Play Script Library

Sometimes clients show up in ways that can feel challenging — perhaps they go quiet, talk in circles, push back, or seem disengaged. Underneath, there is almost always something deeper: a protective pattern, an unspoken fear, or a nervous system state trying to keep them safe.
These role plays are designed to help therapists, healers, and coaches recognise what may be happening beneath the surface, respond without judgment, and keep rapport intact while gently inviting exploration.

1. Resistance

*Scene Setup*
Client has been referred for support with relationship stress. They’ve attended one session but today seem reluctant to engage.

*Dialogue*
Therapist: “It’s good to see you again, Alex. How have things been since we last spoke?”
Client: (shrugs, looks away) “Same as always. I don’t know what you want me to say.”
Therapist: (soft tone) “It seems like talking about it right now might feel a bit uncomfortable.”
Client: “It’s just… I don’t think this kind of thing works for me.”
Therapist: “I hear you. You’re wondering if this is the right approach. Would it be alright if we explored a little about what you were hoping for when you decided to try it?”
Client: (sighs) “I just want things to stop being such a mess, but I don’t want to… dredge everything up.”
Therapist: “It appears that part of you wants change, and another part wants to avoid going back over painful things. That seems like a tough balance to hold.”
Client: (nods slowly) “Yeah… exactly.”

**Learning Focus**

* Notice resistance without pushing.
* Validate the client’s position before exploring further.
* Use curiosity rather than confrontation.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did the therapist maintain rapport in the face of resistance?
* Which questions opened the door without forcing the client to step through?

2. Numbness or Emotional Disconnection

**Scene Setup**
Client arrives and speaks in a flat tone, saying they “don’t feel much of anything.”

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “Welcome back, Sam. How has your week been?”
Client: “Fine, I guess. Not much to say.”
Therapist: “It seems there’s a kind of blankness or distance from your feelings today.”
Client: “Yeah… I just feel nothing.”
Therapist: “That makes sense if part of you is protecting you from being overwhelmed. Would it be okay if we just noticed together what’s happening right now, without pushing for anything more?”
Client: (nods faintly) “Okay.”
Therapist: “Perhaps you can see if there’s one part of you — even a small part — that feels present right now.”
Client: “Maybe my hands… they feel warm.”
Therapist: “That’s a helpful starting place.”

**Learning Focus**

* Honour the protective role of numbness.
* Use gentle somatic focus to invite presence.
* Avoid pressure to “feel” immediately.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did the therapist support safety before exploration?
* Which techniques invited gradual reconnection?

---

### 3. Emotional Shutdown or Freeze

**Scene Setup**
Midway through discussing a painful memory, the client goes still and quiet.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice your body seems still and your gaze has softened. Would it help to pause here?”
Client: (quietly) “Yeah… I just feel far away.”
Therapist: “That’s okay. It appears your body is doing its best to protect you right now.”
Client: “It’s like I can’t move or think.”
Therapist: “Let’s take it slow. Can we notice your feet on the floor, or the chair supporting you?”
Client: (after a pause) “Feet… yeah, I can feel that a little.”
Therapist: “Good. We can stay with that for as long as you need.”

**Learning Focus**

* Recognise signs of shutdown.
* Co-regulate before exploring content.
* Offer grounding options and choice.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did the therapist respond to the freeze state?
* What language supported safety and agency?

---

### 4. Overthinking or Intellectualisation

**Scene Setup**
Client shares experiences in an analytical way, avoiding emotional language.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “You’ve described the sequence of events clearly. I’m wondering how it seems to you on a more personal level.”
Client: “I’ve thought about it a lot. I can see all the patterns and causes.”
Therapist: “It appears you’ve spent a lot of time understanding it logically. Would you be open to also checking in with how your body feels as you share this?”
Client: “I don’t know… I guess my chest feels tight.”
Therapist: “Thank you for noticing that. We can work with that sensation gently.”

**Learning Focus**

* Invite balance between thinking and feeling.
* Gently shift from analysis to embodied awareness.
* Honour the protective role of thinking.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did the therapist bridge from head to body?
* What phrasing kept the client engaged?

---

### 5. Looping or Repetitive Storytelling

**Scene Setup**
Client retells the same story for the third time this session, with little emotional processing.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I hear you describing that same situation again — it appears really important.”
Client: “Yes, because if I had done this differently… maybe everything would have changed.”
Therapist: “It seems the story wants to be told over and over. Can I ask, as you share it again, what do you notice in your body right now?”
Client: “Tight in my stomach… I didn’t notice that before.”
Therapist: “That’s valuable. Maybe your body is holding part of the story, too.”

**Learning Focus**

* Acknowledge importance of repetition.
* Invite shift from narrative to somatic/emotional experience.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did the therapist validate while redirecting?
* What other ways could you open doorways beyond the story?

---

### 6. Emotional Flooding / Overwhelm

**Scene Setup**
Client suddenly begins sobbing intensely, unable to form sentences.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I see how strong this wave of emotion is. Can we pause together and notice your breath?”
Client: (gasps between sobs) “I… can’t stop crying.”
Therapist: “That’s okay. Your body is releasing a lot right now. Let’s see if you can feel your feet on the ground while the tears come.”
Client: (after a pause) “My feet… yes, I feel them.”
Therapist: “Good. We’ll stay with that anchor for as long as you need.”

**Learning Focus**

* Safety first: co-regulation before exploration.
* Short, grounding interventions.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist prioritise nervous system safety?
* What risks come with rushing into analysis here?

---

### 7. Defensiveness / Guardedness

**Scene Setup**
Client reacts sharply when therapist reflects a pattern.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice you often put others’ needs first.”
Client: (crosses arms) “That’s not true. You don’t even know me.”
Therapist: “It seems important for you to feel understood accurately.”
Client: (softens slightly) “Yeah, people always get me wrong.”
Therapist: “Thank you for clarifying. I want to honour your perspective as we continue.”

**Learning Focus**

* Stay non-defensive as practitioner.
* Validate underlying need for accuracy/safety.

**Debrief Prompts**

* What phrasing helped reduce defensiveness?
* What could escalate defensiveness further?

---

### 8. Silence / Discomfort with Stillness

**Scene Setup**
The room goes quiet for nearly a minute, and client fidgets uncomfortably.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice the silence feels a bit tense.”
Client: “Yeah… I don’t like it. Makes me nervous.”
Therapist: “That makes sense. Would you like us to sit quietly for 30 seconds together, just to see what it’s like with support?”
Client: (nods hesitantly) “…Okay.”
Therapist: (after pause) “How was that for you?”
Client: “Not as bad as I thought.”

**Learning Focus**

* Normalise and model comfort with silence.
* Use silence as fertile ground for reflection.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist frame silence as safe?
* What role did choice play here?

---

### 9. Projection / Transference

**Scene Setup**
Client accuses therapist of being “just like their father.”

**Dialogue**
Client: “You’re judging me, just like my dad always did.”
Therapist: “It appears my words reminded you of your father.”
Client: “Yeah… it’s like you’re disappointed in me.”
Therapist: “I hear that. In this moment, what do you notice in your body as you say that?”
Client: (pauses) “Tight chest… heavy.”
Therapist: “That heaviness seems important. Would you like to explore whether this feels more about me, or about him?”

**Learning Focus**

* Hold steady presence without defensiveness.
* Help client differentiate past from present.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist acknowledge projection?
* How might you explore history without reinforcing it?

---

### 10. Boundary Testing / Dependence

**Scene Setup**
Client messages frequently outside agreed hours and asks for extra time.

**Dialogue**
Client: “Can you just extend today’s session? I really need you.”
Therapist: “I hear how much support you’re needing right now. Our session time ends in 10 minutes, and I want to respect that limit. Would it help if we co-created some supports you can lean on between sessions?”
Client: “I guess… I just don’t want to feel alone.”
Therapist: “That makes sense. Together we can find ways to support you when I’m not with you.”

**Learning Focus**

* Set boundaries as care, not rejection.
* Offer alternatives for between-session regulation.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist frame the limit?
* What message of care was reinforced?

---

### 11. Avoidance / Vagueness

**Scene Setup**
Client jokes whenever difficult topics arise.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice when we touch on painful memories, you shift into humour.”
Client: “Well, laughing is better than crying, right?”
Therapist: “It appears laughter is protecting something tender. Would you like us to slow down and see what’s under the smile?”
Client: (long pause) “…Maybe. It’s scary.”
Therapist: “That’s understandable. We’ll only go at the pace you choose.”

**Learning Focus**

* Name avoidance compassionately.
* Honour protective role of humour or vagueness.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist acknowledge the protection?
* What language reinforced client choice?

---

### 12. Conflicting Inner Parts

**Scene Setup**
Client feels torn about leaving a job.

**Dialogue**
Client: “Part of me wants to quit, part of me feels trapped if I stay.”
Therapist: “Both parts seem very strong. Would you like to give each a voice, one at a time?”
Client: “Okay.”
Therapist: “First, the part that wants to leave — what does it want to say?”
Client: “I’m exhausted. I want freedom.”
Therapist: “And the part that wants to stay?”
Client: “I need security. I’m scared of failing.”
Therapist: “Thank you. Both voices are protecting something important.”

**Learning Focus**

* Create space for all parts.
* Reduce internal polarisation.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist give equal respect to both parts?
* What questions could bring them into dialogue?

---

### 13. Lack of Somatic Awareness

**Scene Setup**
Client says they can’t feel anything in their body.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “What do you notice in your body as you share this?”
Client: “Nothing… I don’t feel anything.”
Therapist: “That’s okay. Can we start simply — perhaps notice the weight of your feet on the floor?”
Client: “Hmm… yeah, I can sense that a bit.”
Therapist: “Good. That’s enough for today — noticing even a little is progress.”

**Learning Focus**

* Start with simple body awareness.
* Validate small progress.

**Debrief Prompts**

* What micro-steps helped awareness emerge?
* Why is pacing vital here?

---

### 14. Stuckness Despite Insight

**Scene Setup**
Client says they understand their patterns but nothing changes.

**Dialogue**
Client: “I know exactly why I sabotage relationships, but I still do it.”
Therapist: “It seems your mind understands, but your body or heart isn’t ready to shift yet.”
Client: “Yeah… it’s frustrating.”
Therapist: “Understandably. What would be one very small step that feels possible right now?”
Client: “Maybe telling my friend honestly how I feel.”
Therapist: “That’s a powerful start.”

**Learning Focus**

* Shift from analysis to action.
* Honour timing and small steps.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist validate insight while inviting change?
* What role did small steps play?

---

### 15. Therapist Getting Triggered

**Scene Setup**
Client makes a comment that stirs therapist’s own unresolved grief.

**Dialogue**
Client: “You’re just like my mother — always judging.”
Therapist: (feels internal reaction, takes breath) “I hear how painful it feels to be judged. Let’s stay with that experience.”
(After session, therapist journals and plans supervision.)

**Learning Focus**

* Practise self-awareness of triggers.
* Stay present for client while noting need for support later.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist regulate in the moment?
* What safeguards are important outside session?

---

### 16. Client Wanting Quick Fixes

**Scene Setup**
Client arrives saying they want results “fast.”

**Dialogue**
Client: “Can you just tell me what to do to fix this?”
Therapist: “It appears you’re longing for relief as soon as possible.”
Client: “Exactly. I don’t have time to drag this out.”
Therapist: “That makes sense. Healing often takes time, but we can focus today on small shifts you’ll notice right away.”
Client: “Okay… that feels more doable.”

**Learning Focus**

* Validate urgency while setting realistic pace.
* Reframe progress as layered.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist balance urgency with reality?
* What strategies reduce pressure?

---

### 17. Difficulty Building Rapport

**Scene Setup**
Client seems guarded and formal after several sessions.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice our conversations feel a bit formal. Is that how you experience it, too?”
Client: “Yeah, I guess… I don’t open up easily.”
Therapist: “That’s completely okay. What would help you feel safer here?”
Client: “If I knew more about what we’ll actually do.”
Therapist: “Great — let’s go over that together now.”

**Learning Focus**

* Be transparent, meet client where they are.
* Build trust slowly and collaboratively.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist invite collaboration?
* What could further strengthen rapport?

---

### 18. Distrust / Scepticism

**Scene Setup**
Client questions the validity of therapy.

**Dialogue**
Client: “How do I know this even works? Maybe it’s all nonsense.”
Therapist: “It appears you want to be sure this is worth your time.”
Client: “Yes — I’ve been let down before.”
Therapist: “That makes sense. Would you like me to explain how the process works, so you can decide if it feels right for you?”
Client: “Yes, please.”

**Learning Focus**

* Meet scepticism with openness.
* Provide transparency, avoid defensiveness.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did therapist honour distrust without shutting it down?
* What role did informed choice play?

---

### 19. Minimising Their Own Pain

**Scene Setup**
Client smiles while describing painful experiences.

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “I notice you’re smiling as you share something quite difficult.”
Client: “It’s fine — other people have it worse.”
Therapist: “It seems part of you feels it’s safer to minimise. Can we gently explore what this experience is like for you personally?”
Client: (voice softens) “Honestly… it really hurt.”
Therapist: “Thank you for trusting me with that.”

**Learning Focus**

* Validate without colluding in minimisation.
* Invite ownership of personal impact.

**Debrief Prompts**

* What helped shift from minimisation to honesty?
* What risks arise if minimisation goes unchallenged?

---

### 20. Inability to Articulate Feelings

**Scene Setup**
Client says they “don’t know what they feel.”

**Dialogue**
Therapist: “What emotions are present for you right now?”
Client: “I don’t know… I can’t put it into words.”
Therapist: “That’s okay. If this feeling were weather, what kind would it be?”
Client: “…Like a heavy cloud.”
Therapist: “That image is really helpful. We can work with that.”

**Learning Focus**

* Provide scaffolding for emotional literacy.
* Use metaphor and somatic awareness.

**Debrief Prompts**

* How did metaphor unlock expression?

CONCLUSION

Learn Emotional Freedom Techniques for self healing or to become professionally qualified - More

Our other seminars:

• The Journey Healing Method - More
• Breakthrough Coaching with NLP Practitioner - More

For the full calendar of events.