Spotlight Series: From Stuck to Unstuck

Since The Intensive began a few months ago, we’ve been privileged to have the conversation with many of you that starts like this: “How do I know if my client needs more intensive services?” 

First, THANK YOU for pondering this question and for being attuned with your clients in a way that allows them to consider options. Many folks we work with in The Intensive have rarely been given the opportunity to consider options in their life; little or no options shrinks their world and keeps them stuck. Stuck-ness often takes away autonomy and decision-making, and we, as counselors, can help our clients move through stuck points by offering options specifically around levels of care. 

How do you know if your client needs more care and attention than their current level of care offers? Here are some points to consider: 

• Your client is asking for more time on a more frequent basis. This could sound like, “Could we have an extra session this week?” or “Do you have any other ideas of what I could be working on/doing this month?” 
• Perhaps the touch points with your client have increased, whether this be via email, phone, or even text message if you enable that format of communication in your practice. 
• A recent hospital visit, increased physical discomfort requiring a call to the doctor, more talk about medication management; an uptick in physical complaints often points to something deeper going on that may require a higher level of care. 
• You get a call from a family member or friend saying, “Something just isn’t right. I’m not sure what’s going on with my loved one.” 
• Your client is asking about residential treatment but concerned about leaving a job, family, home, community. 
• Your client is returning from residential treatment and is wondering if once-weekly or biweekly counseling is enough support.

Clients aren’t the only ones who may sense a higher level of care would be beneficial and/or is necessary. We as therapists sense that, too! Perhaps YOU feel stuck! You’ve been exploring all the surface-symptoms, interpersonal nuances, and family system dynamics and you just don’t get it. Something is not adding up. 

Many times, when confusion and complexity don’t subside with typical, therapeutic interventions, this is a sign that a higher level of care is needed. Often, a team of professionals are able to see through the weeds more efficiently and clearly than each of us individually, and it is ok to ask for help in this way. Whether it is via consultation, referring outside of your practice, or moving up a level of care, expanding the window of opportunity for your clients AND yourself is not only compassionate, but ethical. 
If any of the above resonates with you, we would be happy to troubleshoot with you to explore whether a change in level of care may be the next, best step for your client. Feel free to send us a message here, and we’ll discuss it together.