The reluctant first session
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Fictional case for peer practice.
The reluctant first session
A fictional client feels pressured to attend and responds with short answers.
Client role brief
You are skeptical about therapy and worry that a therapist will judge you. Respond briefly until trust develops.
- Protects
- Gives short answers and doubts that therapy can help.
- Fears
- Being judged or told something is wrong with them.
- Underneath
- Wanting to be understood without being pushed.
For the person playing the client: guard the first two, and let what is underneath show only when the therapist makes room for it.
Therapist objectives
- Establish rapport
- Respond empathically
- Tolerate silence
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
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