A specific adaptation for clients referred under pressure (court, employer, family) or coming under duress. The therapist does not try to impose motivation and does not interpret the absence of a request as "resistance". Instead, the inquiry asks what significant others want and what the minimal benefit for the client themselves is from being in therapy. The aim of the first session is to build enough contact for a next meeting.
Step-by-step guide
- Acknowledge the situation openly: "I understand that you are not here by your own choice"
- Inquire into the expectations of the referrer: "What should change, in the view of those who referred you?"
- Find the client's minimal own interest: "Is there something that you personally would like to change — even something quite small?"
- Give compliments for the resources shown under pressure
- Agree on a minimal step the client is comfortable with
When to use
- First session with referred clients (court, family, employer)
- On "loss of motivation" during treatment — the level has dropped to Uncommitted
- When the client openly says they do not want to be here
- Under family pressure on the client as a condition for keeping the relationship
Key phrases
I understand this is not your choice. What would have to happen for those who referred you to be at ease?
Is there at least one thing in your situation that you yourself would like to change?
Follow-up questions
What will be different if you come to the next meeting?
What in what I do here might be useful for you — even a little?
How do you manage to cope with all this pressure at all?
Alternative phrasings
We do not have to work on what others want. What would be useful for you personally?
What would change in your life if this referral situation were resolved?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not lecture about the harms of alcohol — that strengthens the alienation
- ⚠️ Do not interpret silence as resistance — accept it as a way of communicating
- ⚠️ Do not require "acknowledgment of the problem" — that is not a condition of the Bruges Model
Source: Isebaert, 2016; Isebaert, 2007; Journal of Solution Focused Practices, 2022
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.