Exploring Counsellors’ Relationship with Reluctant Clients in Nairobi, Kenya

Relating to a reluctant client in a counselling setting occurs regularly. It is a situation that needs to be taken care of by equipping therapists to eradicate ill-informed decisions that cripple therapeutic alliance. This research aimed to explore the relationship between therapists and reluctant clients, the emotional reactions of therapists towards reluctant clients, and the approaches that remedy the strained therapeutic alliance due to the client’s reluctance. This study adopted a qualitative research design with six therapists who were purposively sampled. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was done using thematic approaches. The findings revealed that the client’s reluctance affects the therapeutic alliance and the counsellor’s emotions. In view of adapting to the situation and reaching the goals of therapeutic activities, therapists use some specific theories, such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psycho-Spiritual Theory and Solution Focussed Therapy and consider the needs of the reluctant clients.

reluctance, types of client,

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