How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 256

Before proceeding with the illustration of the schema, a few conditions warrant consideration. If the therapist
does not succeed in negotiating this new mindset with the use of the schema, and if the involuntary client
chooses to remain the same (i.e., not establish a goal), and if the series of appointments must be continued
because of contractual arrangements (e.g., by the courts or by other agencies), then all the possible
consequences (the resulting constraints) will be explained to the client. One possible consequence may involve
the fact that future therapy sessions may be terminated by the therapist despite the existence of a contractual
agreement with outside agencies (courts). This factor often compels clients to rethink their position.
Even if the client is resistant to change and does not admit to the existence of a problem, there is hope that
during the session the client could have a change of heart and may want to discuss the problem and establish a
related goal.
The schema shown below illustrates the basic approach to changing the mindset of clients from an involuntary
to a voluntary status. Those questions posed by the therapist make reference to the person or agent who initiated
the request (or order) to have the client attend therapy. The initiator may be a spouse, a parent, or a court judge.
Walter and Peller’s schema is carried out with involuntary clients in the following manner.
Our work with them follows this schema:
- Whose idea is it that you come here?
- What makes think you should come here?
- What does want you to be doing differently?
- Is this something you want? (Goal frame)
If yes, proceed as with a voluntary client.
If no, ask: Is there something you would like out of coming here? (Goal frame)
- If yes, procee B2v