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5 therapy techniques for when clients shut down in therapy

Learn what to do when a client shuts down in therapy with our expert techniques to help re-engage and support them through difficult moments.

Dr. Anum Ali
Dr. Anum Ali, LPCTherapist

It’s not uncommon for clients to shut down during therapy sessions, especially when emotions become overwhelming or the conversation touches on sensitive topics. When clients shut down, they may withdraw, become silent, or disengage emotionally, making it difficult for therapists to progress. This can be a protective mechanism that helps the client avoid emotional distress. 

However, it’s essential for therapists to recognize these moments and utilize specific strategies to help re-engage the client. In this article, we’ll explore five effective techniques for when a client shuts down in therapy, and how therapists can support them through these difficult moments.

Why do clients shut down in therapy?

Clients may shut down for various reasons, and understanding these reasons is essential for determining the right approach. While some clients may simply reflect on their thoughts, others may shut down due to deeper emotional or psychological factors. Here are a few potential reasons why clients shut down in therapy:

Common causes of client shutdown

  • Fear of judgment and embarrassment: Clients may fear being judged or feeling embarrassed, causing them to withdraw or shut down emotionally.
  • Unclear therapy goals: If clients do not fully understand the purpose or goals of therapy, they may feel lost or disengaged.
  • Emotionally overwhelmed: Intense emotions may overwhelm clients, causing them to disconnect from the session as a defense mechanism.
  • Dissociation: Clients may dissociate as a way to cope with trauma or emotional pain, leading them to feel disconnected from the present moment.
  • Distraction: External distractions or internal preoccupations may pull a client’s attention away from the session, contributing to a shutdown.

How to recognize when a client is shutting down

Recognizing the signs of a client shutting down is crucial for intervening and re-engaging them. While non-verbal cues may be more challenging to identify in telehealth settings, they are still very much present. Pay close attention to the following signs:

  • No eye contact: A client who avoids eye contact may be signaling discomfort, disconnection, or withdrawal.
  • Sudden changes in body language: If a client suddenly crosses their arms, slouches, or withdraws physically, it could indicate that they are shutting down.
  • Appearing distracted or “spaced out”: If a client seems distant or unresponsive, they may be dissociating or overwhelmed, indicating a shutdown.

5 techniques for when clients shut down in therapy

When clients shut down, it’s important for therapists to respond with strategies that promote a safe and supportive environment. Below are five practical techniques that can help re-engage clients and facilitate communication.

1. Provide a non-judgmental environment.

Creating a non-judgmental environment is key to helping clients feel safe and supported. When clients perceive that they won’t be judged or criticized for their feelings or responses, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their emotions. This openness is crucial for building trust between the therapist and the client, which is essential for the therapeutic process. Reinforce that all emotions and responses are valid and welcome, helping clients feel accepted and less fearful of vulnerability.

2. Adjust pacing.

Sometimes clients shut down because they feel overwhelmed by the speed of the session. Slowing down the pace of the conversation can help the client feel more in control and allow them time to process their thoughts and emotions. Adjusting the pacing can involve pausing after discussing sensitive topics or offering more time for the client to reflect before responding. This shift can make clients feel less pressured and more comfortable engaging in the session.

3. Utilize active listening and gentle encouragement.

Active listening is a powerful technique that can help re-engage clients who have shut down. By validating the client’s emotions and reflecting back what they’ve said, you show them that you are fully present and empathetic to their experience. 

For example, you can say, “It sounds like this topic is really difficult for you,” or “I hear that you’re feeling overwhelmed right now.” Additionally, gentle encouragement can help clients feel more comfortable without pushing them too hard. Sometimes using frameworks or worksheets can provide structure and make the process of re-engagement feel less intimidating. For example, behavioral activation worksheets help your client focus on what helps their mental health symptoms, while cognitive triangle worksheets can help them understand the relationship between their thoughts and well-being.

4. Use somatic and grounding techniques.

Grounding exercises, such as deep breathing or focusing on the physical sensations of the body, can help clients reconnect with the present moment. These techniques are especially useful for clients who may be dissociating or feeling detached from reality. You can guide a client through a simple breathing exercise by saying, “Let’s take a deep breath in together, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.” These techniques help clients feel more present and emotionally regulated, which can make it easier for them to re-engage with the session.

5. Make sure the client has a completely private space for therapy.

Privacy is essential for fostering a sense of safety and trust in therapy. If a client feels that they are being overheard or distracted by external factors, they may shut down to protect themselves. Ensure that the client has a quiet, private space for the session where they can feel safe to express themselves. In telehealth settings, encourage clients to find a quiet room, free from interruptions or distractions, to create the optimal environment for open communication.

Long-term strategies to prevent shutdown in therapy

In addition to immediate techniques for managing client shutdowns, there are long-term strategies that can help reduce the likelihood of this happening in the future.

Set up predictable and structured sessions.

Clients thrive in structured environments where they know what to expect. Setting up predictable sessions with clear goals and routines helps clients feel more secure and less likely to disengage. Additionally, eliminating distractions, such as ensuring that phones are turned off, helps the client stay focused on the session.

Normalize emotional expression.

Consistently encouraging emotional expression helps reduce the shame or embarrassment clients may feel when sharing their emotions. By normalizing emotional vulnerability, you can create a space where clients feel more comfortable expressing their feelings and opening up in future sessions.

Be a co-regulator.

Therapists play a vital role in modeling emotional regulation. By staying calm and grounded, therapists can provide a model for how clients can regulate their own emotions, especially during intense or overwhelming moments. This co-regulation process helps clients feel safe and supported, even when they experience difficult emotions during therapy.

Learn more about managing difficult sessions with Headway.

Managing moments when clients shut down can be challenging, but with the right strategies, therapists can foster an environment that promotes re-engagement and emotional processing. By utilizing techniques such as active listening, grounding exercises, and creating a non-judgmental space, therapists can help clients overcome shutdowns and continue their progress in therapy. For more support on managing difficult therapy sessions, explore our other clinical support and therapy worksheet resources. Start improving your approach today and gain valuable tools to support your clients through challenging moments.


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