MPhil Diaries Part 2: Struggling to Build Trust with your Client - Roger Was Right!

???????? ????????????' principles of ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? (??????)?may sound simple, but mastering them is one of the toughest challenges for any mental health professional.?Building ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? is crucial in any relationship—especially therapeutic ones—because, without these, progress becomes nearly impossible.??

While working with ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???????? ??????????????, forming a rapport often feels more natural. ???????? ?????? ???????? ???? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ????????????????.?However, the experience is starkly different when working with ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????? ????????????????. Many of them are in ???????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????????????, ?????????????????? ???????????????????? ?????????? ?????? ??????????????????????. They might not understand why they’re there and often feel targeted or misunderstood.??

These clients frequently ?????????????? ????????????????????. Some might outright ask, "?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ??????????????????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????" Others may refuse to cooperate, opting to retreat to their room instead. As professionals, it’s easy to feel frustrated in such moments, but this is exactly when ????????????' ???????????????? ?????????????? ??????????????????????????.??

?? ??????-???????????????????? ????????????????, ??????????????, ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ???????? ?????? ????????. It’s in these moments that we must meet the client where they are—not where we think they should be—and build a bridge of trust.??

Here are some strategies I’ve learned from my experience and observed from seasoned professionals to break walls and build rapport:??

1. ???? ?????????? ??????????????:?

Clients can sense when you’re distracted or “half-there.” Clearing your headspace and being mindfully present during sessions is irreplaceable. Your presence alone can make clients feel safe and understood.

2. ???????? ???????????? ?????? ??????????:??

While case history is essential, don’t reduce clients to data points for a file. See them as individuals with stories and emotions. Let them feel heard and valued, not scrutinized.??

3. ???????????????????? ?????????? ??????????:?

When clients express discomfort or resistance, don’t take it personally. Look deeper—what are they trying to communicate? What do they need in that moment? Sometimes, truly knowing a person means seeing beyond what’s visible.??

4. ???????????????? ???????? ??????????????????????:??

It’s natural to form hypotheses as professionals, but unchecked assumptions can lead to missteps. Always validate your understanding with the client. What may seem logical to us might not be their lived truth.????

5. ?????? ???????? ???? ????????????:??

This can feel counterintuitive but is incredibly powerful. Clients often resist because they feel powerless. Shift that dynamic by giving them agency. Ask questions like:??

"???????? ???? ?????? ????????? ?????? ?????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ???? ?? ?????? ???????? ?????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????"??

If they’re resistant, acknowledge it:??

"?? ?????? ??????’???? ?????????????? ??????. ?????? ???? ???????? ???????? ??????’?? ????????????—?????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ??????."??

By valuing their space and decisions, you foster trust and collaboration.??

Final Thoughts

Practical experiences like these continue to remind me that no textbook can truly prepare us for the nuanced realities of human connection. Every client teaches us something new—if we are willing to listen.??

What strategies have you found helpful in breaking down walls and building trust with clients? Let’s learn from each other because the best lessons often come from shared experiences.??