Have you ever noticed a client steering clear of certain themes during therapy? It’s a subtle yet powerful moment that can leave therapists wondering how to respond. Avoidance in therapy often holds deeper meaning, offering a window into a client’s inner world.
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Why It Matters

 When clients avoid specific themes, it can signal discomfort, unresolved emotions, or even a lack of readiness to explore certain areas. For therapists, understanding and addressing this avoidance is key to fostering trust, emotional safety, and meaningful progress in therapy. By gently navigating these moments, we can help clients feel seen, respected, and empowered to explore at their own pace.

The Power of Connection and Curiosity

 In 2025, the focus on connection and emotional safety in therapy is more important than ever. Avoidance isn’t resistance; it’s communication. By approaching these moments with curiosity and empathy, therapists can strengthen the therapeutic relationship and create opportunities for significant growth.

Practical Applications for Therapists

1. Notice and Validate

Avoidance in therapy can carry significant meaning. Gently acknowledging it without judgment, for example, saying, “I noticed we haven’t spent much time talking about [specific theme]. That’s okay; let’s focus on what feels right for you today”, can help clients feel safe and understood. This validation lays the groundwork for deeper exploration when the time feels right.

2. Explore Indirectly

Sometimes, introducing related themes or activities that feel less intimidating can make a difference. For example, if a client avoids themes of conflict, exploring teamwork or cooperation might feel more approachable. Tools like PlaySpace’s Storybook Builder can also help create narratives that gently touch on avoided topics. Exploring difficult topics through the perspective of a character in a story adds emotional distance, giving clients a greater sense of safety as they begin to engage with hard topics.

3. Collaborate on Comfort

Encouraging clients to share what feels safe or enjoyable in therapy can empower them to take an active role in shaping their experience. For example, at the start of a session, the therapist and client might use PlaySpace’s  Whiteboard to create a list of topics the client wants to explore over time. Together, they can then decide which topic feels manageable to focus on that day. This process not only gives the client a sense of choice and control but also ensures that sensitive topics are approached at a pace that feels comfortable.

4. Reflect and Revisit

Checking in periodically about avoided themes can open the door to gradual progress. Growth often happens in small steps, and revisiting these areas over time can lead to meaningful breakthroughs.

Avoidance in sessions is an opportunity to deepen connection and understanding. By meeting clients where they are and gently guiding them forward, we create a space where healing and growth can flourish. Take a moment to reflect: How can you approach avoidance with curiosity and compassion in your next session? Together, we’re building a community of therapists who empower clients to explore, heal, and thrive.

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