How Psychotherapists Handle Difficult Clients

Brian Quinn

doi:10.1300/j120v36n75_17

Abstract

Summary Although librarians occasionally encounter difficult patrons in the course of their work, psychologists work with difficult clients much more frequently. This raises an interesting question-how is it that psychologists are able to manage these trying individuals, and in some instances even help them improve? This study attempts to answer that question by investigating how psychotherapists define, cope with, and treat difficult patients. It explains the psychology of difficult clients, techniques psychologists useinworking with them, and how these might be utilized by librarians. The importance of seeing difficult clients as a means of personal growth is also emphasized.

Highlights

It is not uncommon for librarians to encounter what they might regard as a “difficult” patron at one time or another in their career
Is it the case that a librarian must contend with difficult patrons on a frequent and extended basis
The interesting question for librarians becomes, if psychotherapists are likely to work with difficult clients on a regular basis, how do they manage? How is it that they manage these individuals on a routine basis, and how are they themselves able to cope? Psychotherapists are able to listen to and work with a steady stream of belligerent, complaining, obnoxious individuals and still take considerable satisfaction in their work

Summary

Introduction

It is not uncommon for librarians to encounter what they might regard as a “difficult” patron at one time or another in their career. The interesting question for librarians becomes, if psychotherapists are likely to work with difficult clients on a regular basis, how do they manage? The difficult person will try to make the librarian feel like the abused, victimized recipient of the caretaker’s mistreatment by acting in an aggressive and abrasive manner.

Results

Conclusion