When clients are withdrawn, building a meaningful connection through Motivational Interviewing (MI) can make all the difference. Here’s how to foster openness and trust: Reflective Listening: Mirror back their words to show you understand, encouraging them to feel heard and share more. Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that require more than a yes or no, inviting them to explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. Validate Their Feelings: Recognize and accept their emotions without judgment—this creates a safe space for them to express themselves freely. By respecting their pace and gently inviting them to open up, MI can help turn distance into dialogue. What approaches have worked for you with reserved clients?

When a client seems distant during motivational interviewing, it can help to focus on what has resonated with them in even the smallest way. For example, with a client who shared very little at first, I once asked, “What in our conversations has been helpful, if anything?” After some thought, they mentioned how it felt good that I didn’t rush to fill the silence, letting them take their time. That small insight guided me to give them more space and let them dictate the pace. By acknowledging what worked for them, it built a foundation of trust, and they gradually opened up more on their own terms.