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Sometimes children (and adults) have a hard day and may act out during sessions. This can be difficult to deal with as a clinician, but it is important that we try our best to deal with any outbursts or undesirable behaviors in the most appropriate way possible.
Sometimes children (and adults) have a hard day and may act out during sessions. This can be difficult to deal with as a clinician, but it is important that we try our best to deal with any outbursts or undesirable behaviors in the most appropriate way possible.
Try to understand
Try to understand
There's usually a reason our clients are acting out. These reasons could be anything from being overstimulated, not understanding what they are supposed to do, or just having a bad day. If you are able to understand why your client is acting out, you will be better able to adapt your session to fit their needs and keep them from being overwhelmed
be flexible
be flexible
Flexibility is a great skill for new clinicians. Sometimes, no matter how you try to change/adapt your activity, your client may still refuse or exhibit undesirable behaviors. In these situations, sometimes it is better to simply try a new activity. Be careful not to let your client control the session completely, but once in a while it may be best to just try something new.
Set a schedule
Set a schedule
Having a set schedule the client can refer to is great at keeping clients on task and keeping them from being overwhelmed by everything that is expected by them in the session. It may even help for you to provide your client with a list of activities and allow them to choose the order so they feel they have some control over the session.
Be firm - not mean
Be firm - not mean
We all want our clients to like us, and trust me, they will, but we also need to make sure they are not in control of the session. As a clinician, we are the ones planning and executing what is going on for the 50 minutes we are in a session. When a client is exhibiting undesirable behaviors, it can be helpful to remind the client why we are here and working on these specific skills and how it will help them.
Try token boards
Try token boards
For clients who need a little more structure, token boards can keep them on task and from acting out in the middle of activities. By giving clients a concrete goal to work toward (i.e. earn 5 stickers, then we can take a break), they can stay motivated and not be overwhelmed. If they know what they need to do and how long they need to do something, they will be less likely to act out and refuse an activity.
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