Social Workers' Approaches to Building Rapport with Resistant Clients

Krizia Marie M Dingal; Maria Consuelo Dicdican; Cyril F Campomanes; Genesis B Naparan; Daisy R Catubig; Remy Richie Jadman-Ferrater; Alfer Jann Tantog

doi:10.53103/cjess.v6i4.546

Authors

Krizia Marie M Dingal Saint Columban College, Philippines
Maria Consuelo Dicdican Saint Columban College, Philippines
Cyril F Campomanes Saint Columban College, Philippines
Genesis B Naparan Saint Columban College, Philippines
Daisy R Catubig Saint Columban College, Philippines
Remy Richie Jadman-Ferrater Saint Columban College, Philippines
Alfer Jann Tantog Saint Columban College, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v6i4.546

Keywords:

Resistant Clients, Rapport, Social Workers, Residential Care, Strengths-Based Practice

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the approaches used by social workers in building rapport with resistant clients in a residential care setting. Conducted at Bahay Pag-asa in Pagadian City, the study involved three licensed social workers and two house parents who had direct experience working with Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk. Using semi-structured interviews, the study examined how resistant clients are described, the forms of resistance encountered, the challenges experienced in rapport-building, the strategies applied by social workers, and the recommendations for sustaining rapport. Data were analyzed through categorical aggregation and the constant comparative method. Findings revealed that resistant clients were described through rule-defying behavior, self-insistent behavior, and shyness-differentiated behavior. Resistance appeared in verbal, nonverbal, and restriction-triggered aggressive forms. Social workers experienced difficulty in establishing trust and communication, encouraging program participation, and managing emotional strain. To build rapport, they used empathic listening, non-pressuring communication, and supportive activity engagement. The study concludes that rapport-building with resistant clients is gradual, relationship-centered, and strengthened by readiness-sensitive support, aftercare continuity, and holistic programs.

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