Social workers should work towards effective delivery of services by identifying and solving problems using the evidence-based practice (EBP) approach and literature review. Garthwait (2017) suggests that the cases of resistant and unmotivated clients require effective communication and professional skills, allowing the social worker to understand the causes of clients’ reluctance and select appropriate strategies. Levenson (2017) recommends that clients’ non-compliance with specific interventions should not be viewed as resistance or hostility but as a normal response or protective reaction of trauma survivors. Zastrow and Hessenauer (2020) explain how reflection might be used during motivational interviewing. The work also describes relevant implementation strategies for working with resistant clients.
Resistant clients present a major practice problem since the lack of client-provider cooperation, rapport, and trust undermines the success of social work interventions. Vulnerable elderly individuals from diverse backgrounds often experience emotional or physical trauma that makes them reject professional help and social work interventions. Assessment and intervention resistance can disrupt the change process and discourage the efforts of the client’s support system. Therefore, the social worker needs to adapt his/her communication skills and respond to involuntary clients’ needs who demand more support and attention than motivated and voluntary clients.
Resistant clients may feel uncomfortable or humiliated around social workers. Vatsalya’s social workers may benefit from the guidelines by Garthwait (2017) and focus on improving their professional skills (anticipated empathy, cultural competence) to understand the reasons behind the problem and improve rapport and engagement. It is also important to treat clients with respect, ensure clear communication, and encourage choice and freedom of expression. Additionally, the research by Levenson (2017) can be used to help the social worker apply a trauma-informed approach, empowerment, and collaboration instead of punitive responses to resistance. The notes on motivational interviewing by Zastrow and Hessenauer (2020) might be used at the agency to overcome resistance by reflecting the client’s response in a neural form and avoid confrontation. Overall, the study of the literature discussed above might improve client-provider collaboration and effectively respond to resistance.
References
Garthwait, C. L. (2017). The social work practicum: A guide and workbook for students (7th ed.). Pearson.
Levenson, J. S. (2017). Trauma-informed social work practice.Social Work, 62(2). Web.
Zastrow, C. H., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2020). Generalist social work practice: A worktext. Oxford University Press.