I was asked at Easter what is the single biggest ingredient required to bring about change in a client. after a fun hour and a half debating whether desire or rapport is more beneficial however I came down on the side of Rapport.
Rapport is an essential in being able to communicate effectively and honestly in therapy. If rapport is absent then it is doubtful if change could be achieved, no matter what the desire in a client. I love this definition of rapport:
rapport n. A feeling of harmonious connection between people or groups of people.
Rapport is one of the most important features or characteristics of unconscious human interaction. It is commonality of perspective, being in "sync", being on the same wavelength as the person you are talking to.
There are a number of techniques that are beneficial in building rapport such as: matching your body language (ie, posture, gesture, and so forth); maintaining eye contact; and matching breathing rhythm. Some of these techniques are explored in neuro-linguistic programming.
A classic if unusual example of rapport can be found in the book "Uncommon Therapy" by Jay Haley (ISBN 0-393-31031-0), about the psychotherapeutic intervention techniques of Milton Erickson. Erickson developed the ability to enter the world view of his patients and, from that vantage point (having established rapport), he was able to make extremely effective interventions (to help his patients overcome life problems).
Keep it Hypnotic
David
No comments:
Post a Comment