In a therapy session, if a client is not engaging, the best practice is to do what?

Changing the activity is the best practice when a client is not engaging in a therapy session. Engagement is crucial for effective therapy, as it ensures that the client is actively participating and benefiting from the interventions being provided. When a client becomes disengaged, it may indicate that the current task is not suited to their interests, abilities, or current emotional state.

By introducing a different activity, the therapist can capture the client’s interest and motivate them to participate more fully. This approach allows for adaptability in therapy and recognizes the individual preferences and needs of the client, which is fundamental in building rapport and facilitating learning.

Forcing participation can lead to resistance and can negatively impact the therapeutic relationship, potentially creating more disengagement. Discussing the issue with administration may be necessary in certain scenarios, but it does not address the immediate need to engage the client in the session. Terminating the session is typically seen as a last resort, as it can disrupt continuity of care and may leave the client feeling unsupported. Thus, changing the activity is the most effective and constructive response when facing a lack of engagement.