Mrs. Filosoof, an adult client with complications in her shoulder from a stroke, appears disengaged from therapy. She makes a "door-knob comment" that she cannot wait to be discharged from the hospital because she finds the environment rather oppressive. When you ask her more about it, she discloses that she doesn't see the point in doing the exercises that you and her other therapist have been recommending. She reports that she feels particularly irritated when the other therapist asks her if she has been "doing her homework" in-between sessions. What mode is not working and what other mode might be the best one to try next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mrs. Filosoof's irritation with the "homework" and her disengagement suggest that the instructing mode is not effective. Shifting to an empathizing mode could help address her feelings and motivations, potentially improving her engagement.

Mrs Filosoof, an Adult Client with Complications in Her Shoulder