Clarifying Goals and Looking Toward the Future with Clients "in Denial"

Unlike the hopeless clients discussed in Section I, clients considered to be in denial may have a very clear and detailed vision of life without drugs, but it is one that is not realistic for them. They may think they will return to their favorite bar and just drink soda, or only smoke a little pot on the weekends. The challenge is not so much to help clients envision a happy future but to help make that vision a realistic one.