How can you begin to build a relationship with a reluctant or resistant service user?

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should be more aware of the different ways you might begin to build a relationship with a reluctant or resistant service user.

While working with reluctant or resistant service users undoubtedly can make your job more challenging, it is important to work to engage them in the process as far as possible so the ultimate aim of partnership working might be achieved.

In the following video, former practitioners, now lecturers, discuss different approaches, which can be used to help build relationships with reluctant or resistant service users.

Download: Video transcript

Reflective Questions

  1. Have you ever encountered someone who was reluctant or resistant? How did you deal with the situation? What did you learn from it?
  2. How can a partnership approach potentially reduce reluctance or resistance in a service user? How can you ensure this approach for both non-statutory and statutory service users?
  3. How might your own resistance towards a service user perpetuate reluctance or resistance displayed by that service user?
  4. How can the professional value base be used to create an effective relationship with a reluctant or resistant service user?
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