Compliments and End-of-Session Feedback — The Bruges Model

A structured feedback at the end of the session: the therapist gives compliments (recognition of the client's efforts and resources) and offers a between-session task. A compliment is not praise "for correct behavior" but the recognition of what the client is already doing in line with their values. The type of task is adapted to the level of engagement: an observational task for the Uncommitted, a behavioral one for the Consultative.

Step-by-step guide

Take a "time out" before the feedback (2–3 minutes of reflection or stepping out of the room)
Formulate the compliments: what the therapist noticed valuable in the client and their efforts
Give a "bridge" — the link between the compliments and the task
Offer a task matching the level of engagement: observational / reflective / behavioral
Ask the client's reaction to the task

When to use

At the end of every session — a mandatory element of the Bruges protocol
At the closing of the work — for summing up and forming autonomy
With low self-esteem of the client — compliments as the main focus

Key phrases

Before we close, I want to say what struck me about you today.

It is important for me to note that despite everything, you.

Follow-up questions

I want to suggest something to you before our next meeting.

How does this sound? Does this fit you?

Is there anything you would like to add to what you did today?

Alternative phrasings

One thing I noticed today is. What do you yourself think of it?

It seems important to me what you did today. Tell me — how do you take it?

Warnings

⚠️ Compliments must be concrete and sincere, not generic ("well done")
⚠️ The task must not be harder than the client is ready to do — better less and realistic
⚠️ Do not assign behavioral tasks to uncommitted clients — only observational ones

Source: Isebaert, 2016; González Suitt et al. 2019