Can therapy work if someone agrees to go only under duress?

[Deparfea]

I'm interested to hear any of your thoughts or experiences on this issue. Thank you.

 

[marlynnp]

I think if they decide to be honest and communicative with the therapist once they get there, then yes it can work.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Depends on how sick the person is.

If you are talking someone who is serious need of medication prior to counseling then probably not realistic to think they are going to be helped, with just counseling.

For example someone with clinical depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc., who are in a psychotic state would need to get their brain back on track in order to get a major benefit from counseling.

Now if they will not take medication and you are trying to assess their state of mind, I would certainly consider that a part of the process of trying to get them help.

In the end some people can be helped by meds/counseling and some people are very sick and unable to be helped. Everything is worth a try to get the best possible outcome.

 

[Pakey]

If they don't want to be there and they continue to feel that way, then no, it will not work.

 

[Jennasis]

No. they have to want the help and want to get better. Of course, they could come to that point at some time during the therapy.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Maybe if the person under duress comes around. However, if the person being pushed into therapy decided to fully shut down there is nothing that can be done. It should probably be considered that if a person really needs help and is simply closing him or herself off anyway then that person is being self destructive and if there is one thing the world can't save someone from, it's when a person turns on them-self.

I don't know if this is something you are asking about because of a story you read somewhere or it it's happening in your life but if it is in your life then These things are very hard to watch, I've seen it and ultimately it doesn't work. Sometimes people get lost and find their way back and sometimes they get lost and stay that way .

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Maybe if the person under duress comes around. However, if the person being pushed into therapy decided to fully shut down there is nothing that can be done.

I asked, pleaded, then eventually begged my ex to go to counseling together. He refused. I threatened divorce and then followed through.

His second wife succeeded in getting him into an office where he sat, legs and arms crossed. They've been separated for over two years now. He's moved in with another victim....er, girlfriend.

No, I don't believe counseling under duress works at all.

 

[minkydog]

Couseling under duress will only work if the person sees the value of the counseling and actively works to bring about change, in which case they would no longer be under duress. If all they're doing is showing up and hitting the marks, then , NO, counseling will not make a bit of difference.

 

[bookgirl]

Well since the big quote for therapy is "the first step in fixing a problem is to admit you have a problem" I wouldn't put out much hope for forced therapy.

I'm never surprised when those intervention shows give an update and the person relapses.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Well since the big quote for therapy is "the first step in fixing a problem is to admit you have a problem" I wouldn't put out much hope for forced therapy.

I'm never surprised when those intervention shows give an update and the person relapses.

I agree. That is the mantra.

But I would still say an unqualified maybe. Lots of variables. Some chipping away at the stone. It could go either way.

 

[sparklynails23]

I think individual therapy would work better than couple's therapy in that situation, at least initially.

 

[Jennasis]

Like a pp, I begged, cried, pleaded and threatened my ex to go to therapy with me. He caved and went and sat there mute. Then he refused to pay for it (money had to come out of my pocket, not our joint funds) claiming I was the crazy one who had some problem so I should have to pay for it. When I whipped out the "D" word (divorce) he suddenly had an interest in going, but only to pay lip service to the therapist and started saying what he thought the therapist wanted to hear.

I divorced his lazy, sorry, useless, abusive butt FAST.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

It is not very likely but I suppose there is always the chance there will be an "ah ha" moment if the therapists says the right thing at the right time.