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Attorneys many times see people at their worst. Often very large stressors are impacting a person when they are involved in legal matters. Being in such a state can negatively impact a client’s ability to collaborate as effectively as possible with their attorney. A client may be sabotaging their own case because they are not able to cooperate with the attorney, whether that is as simple as paying attention in meetings or producing documents needed, or more complex such as following through on advice the attorney gives as to how to behave throughout the case. Other times attorneys want their clients to present to therapy in order to help in a case. For example, engaging in parent coaching sessions, anger management, or receiving treatment for drug or alcohol use prior to a court date. Then there are the clients who you just recognize need some extra support and guidance for their own emotional well-being. In all of these cases, psychologists are often asked by attorneys, “How do I get my client to go to therapy?”
One sure-fire way to make the suggestion easier if needed later is to provide this information to all of your clients at the beginning of your work with them as a possibility that may arise. Let all clients know during the intake process that:
- Therapy is often used by clients involved in legal matters to manage their own stress and receive support during a difficult time;
- Therapy can also result in them being more effectively able to collaborate with you; and
- That therapy can also be useful in some cases in which one wants to show the court the client is taking proactive positive steps.
(Read on...)
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