Statements Avoid Quote by Elliot Greene
““The type of statements to avoid are indirect, open-ended suggestions, especially about feeling, and truisms or platitudes. Such statements induce a stuck feeling in clients with a compressed structure. They are inwardly trying to achieve the attitudes or actions suggested by the statements and simultaneously resisting and resenting them, while also feeling humiliated by the expectations implied in the statements and shameful of their resistance all at the same time. This reveals why the best intentioned therapist can end up with a client who makes little progress, seems bogged down, and makes the therapist feel ineffective.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Therapeutic Process, Elliot Greene, 2015
Therapists should avoid vague, directive statements that trigger resistance and shame in clients, as they can stall progress and undermine therapeutic effectiveness.
In simple terms: Avoid vague, directive statements that cause client resistance.
Key Takeaway
Use concrete, collaborative language.
Themes
therapy
communication
resistance
client‑therapist dynamics
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
therapeutic
insightful
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- coaching
- conflict resolution
- behavioral change
- team meetings
Key Concepts
Motivational interviewing
psychodynamic resistance
client autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you phrase guidance to empower rather than dictate?
- What alternatives promote client autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Clients may still feel pressured if language is not truly collaborative.
