You're working with a child client who's unresponsive. How can you get them to open up?

Language matters and shapes our thoughts and actions. Start by reframing this 'child client' as a child who needs help. Reframe 'unresponsive' and be curious about what is making it difficult for you to connect with them? Safety first. How can you signal that they are safe with you? Are they fully safe with you?

When I worked with children in the past, it was important to find out if they asked for help or someone suggested they should go Just like with an adult client, it makes such a difference in how they approach the session I would build rapport by making the counselling room a safe space for them Treating them with respect, no judgement and going at their pace Unless they told me something that made me concerned about their own safety, I would make sure they knew the sessions were confidential I would always tell a client under what circumstances I would have to speak to someone and break their confidentiality due to concerns

One of the way of doing is using - Dance Movement. I use it extensively to create rapport with my young clients... Rhythm, tapping, nodding , revolving chair , smiling, hand gestures- which are often use by young children, you can mirror to create rapport even before you start probing

I have a client meeting this Saturday. I believe atmosphere is everything. So, I chose Saturday because it's a more casual day. I spoke with Mom and told her that I'd like to take him to get something to eat, then head to the lake in the park and sit and chat. I believe that it will relax the client and he will open up to me. I picked the park because it will be more relaxing. There will be kids playing and people walking about. We'll sit on a bench by the lake and talk casually. This will also establish trust.

I often will tell a joke (as I lack hair, that is a good starting place!) and start with questions about what they like to do for fun, or like to eat. This way we aren't getting "therapeutic" right away. I also tell them that they are my boss and decide what we talk about. This lets them know that they are in charge of what we do, and they aren't going to be forced into anything.

I will often ask them the "miracle question" and ask them what happiness means to them. At the beginning, I also let them know it might be hard to answer so they don't feel too frustrated. Other open-ended questions (say about school) are "What are the best and hardest things about school?" or "What are the things that you find the best...." about a specific situation. It is also getting them to push past just bad things.

Allowing the client to take the lead and include you into their thoughts, play, or conversation is a recommended way to build rapport and strengthen trust between client and clinician. Being able to validate feeling, build conversation on their topics of interest allows you to have more meaningful experiences and to encourage their participation.

Depending on the topic, I frequently use the white board and ask them to write on it too. To drill home some important points, I've also been known to stand up on my coffee table to get their attention! Cookie monster puppets are also a good addition to a therapy session on almost any topic.

I would share my need to connect with them such they they feel safe and unencumbered to share. How would I do it ? Just be in the same room /setup and draw /colour/ play in complete silence. Waiting for them to reach out. Observing carefully what makes them tick. What gives them a dash of fun! The build on it non verbally till the child is comfortable enough to open up. It will take time and patience for sure but once the foundation of trust is built , the rest of the way is easy.

Providing children with space to express themselves Providing children with the opportunity to express themselves Teaching children the importance of respect Teaching children how to give and receive respect Teaching them how to communicate appropriately in different contexts

The most important thing is to let the child know that they are being heard and respected. And if I misunderstand something, I let them know I misunderstood. This way it is not their fault. When discussing things that are controversial (e.g. how much screen time is too much) I try to get them to see it from their own perspective and not just an adult saying cut back. Trying to always focus on things from their perspective is critical for kids to benefit from therapy.

Observe the child with loving and compassionate eyes. Make long eye contact, and make sure the child feels loved even hugged while looking at you. That will calm him/her. Trust will be built quietly. That way, you will be speaking his/her language which is silence. The next step is to mimic his/her body language and radiate the same feeling that you think the child might be feeling. Do not utter a word until the child does. If he/she still refuses to speak, smile at the child, hold his/her hand, and take him/her to his/her parent. But I assure you that the child will begin speaking if you do that.

Do not use AI for psychotherapeutic or educational purposes. And now I am suppose to add 125 more characters because AI is programmed this way and does not have the ability to react and adjust accordingly to a situation that does not fit in to the program. About human interactions/needs and the use of machines: revisit the Harry Harlow experiment. Yes, we would not do that now with the monkeys, but it did show what the nature of love and affection is all about - we all need the warmth. Enough characters?!