Intervention
Restraining-Change Planner
Design and script a therapeutic restraint intervention before delivering it — ensuring the restraint carries a genuine clinical rationale, not reverse psychology.
This worksheet helps therapists plan a therapeutic restraint — a formal clinical recommendation that a client slow down, not change too quickly, or consider whether they are ready for what they say they want. Used before the session, it ensures the restraint is offered as a genuine clinical concern rather than a manipulation tactic.
Complete this worksheet before any session in which you plan to introduce a therapeutic restraint. The restraint must carry a specific, nameable concern — not a technique applied because other techniques failed. Review it in the five minutes before the session begins.
Restraining-Change Planner
Client (initials or identifier): _______________ Session date: _______________
The change the client says they want Described in the client’s own language, as closely as possible:
Evidence that restraint is clinically indicated What specific behaviors, session patterns, or progress markers suggest the pace is creating problems?
The specific concern to name What risk does moving at this pace pose for this client in this situation? This must be a real clinical concern, not a framing device.
Framing language How will you offer the restraint in session? Write out the specific language.
Opening: _______________________________________________ The concern: _______________________________________________ The recommendation: _______________________________________________
Tone The restraint must be offered as a genuine clinical concern, not irony, pessimism, or reverse psychology. Check before proceeding:
- The rationale is something I would say to any client in this situation, not just this one
- I can deliver it without detectable irony
- The language does not imply that the client is incapable of change
Anticipated client response How is this client likely to react to being told to slow down?
If the client pushes back — argues for moving faster:
If the client accepts the restraint — what follow-up looks like next session:
Follow-up marker What would indicate that the restraint has served its purpose and the pace can shift?
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