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Preferred registration deadline: March 20th

3 CEs

Client resistance, often stemming from fear of change, uncertainty, or protective defense mechanisms, should be viewed not as opposition to you, but as an expression of the client's internal conflict. This interactive workshop equips mental and behavioral health professionals with practical tools to recognize, understand, and effectively manage difficult or resistant client behaviors. Participants will explore the underlying causes of resistance, examine the ways therapists may inadvertently reinforce challenging dynamics, and learn strategies to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Through discussion, demonstration, and role-play practice, attendees will gain confidence in applying productive confrontation techniques and paradoxical interventions to foster therapeutic progress and client engagement.

This is an in-person workshop that will be held on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. The exact location and directions will be emailed to registered participants before the course date.

General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 30.

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Course Outline

Content Level: Intermediate

Target AudiencesSocial Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, other mental health providers, school social workers, and professionals who work with children and adolescents.

Agenda:

  • Introductions - 5 mins
  • What is a difficult/resistant client? Definitions; Small group exercises - 25 mins
  • What’s our part of the problem? How therapists contribute to resistance; Positive side of resistance - 30 mins
  • Dealing with difficult clients; Motivation for change; Managing responses - 60 mins
  • Dealing with silence; Disempowering “We, We” problem; Other tools for resistance - 50 mins
  • Questions and Discussion - 10 mins

Learner Outcomes

  • Analyze common causes of client resistance and challenging behaviors within the therapeutic relationship.
  • Apply evidence-informed tools and strategies to address resistant and difficult client behaviors through experiential role-play.
  • Recognize and reflect on the therapist’s own contributions to client resistance to strengthen therapeutic effectiveness.
  • Demonstrate productive confrontation techniques and implement specific tools for engaging resistant clients more effectively.

Course Completion Requirements:

The Brown School is an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois. To earn credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. You may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs if you miss part of the training. CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available.

For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancelation policy, our grievance policy or other inquiries please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.

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Enroll

Section Title
Managing Clients with Difficult or Resistant Behaviors: Establishing Boundaries and Framing Productive Confrontations
Type
Workshop
Days
F
Time
8:30AM to 11:30AM
Dates
Mar 27, 2026
Schedule and Location
Location
  • Washington University Danforth Campus
Delivery Options
Course Fee(s)
General Admission $65.00
Drop Request Deadline
Mar 24, 2026
Transfer Request Deadline
Mar 24, 2026
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