Clifton Mitchell

Clifton W. Mitchell, Ph.D. is a professor, author, motivational speaker, and popular workshop trainer. He is most noted for his work on dealing with psychological resistance in counseling and therapy and for his motivational keynote address which presents ways to improve communication and change personal habits through precise mental programming.

Mitchell is widely recognized for his resistance seminars which are based on his book, Effective Techniques for Dealing with Highly Resistant Clients, (2nd ed., 2007). In his book and seminars Mitchell approaches resistance from a social interaction perspective which defines resistance as “…a negative interpersonal dynamic between the therapist and the client” (Otani, 1989, p. 459). This perspective differs significantly from the mainstream definitions of resistance that place resistance in the client. These mainstream definitions stem from early Freudian perspectives which he views as antiquated. In opposition to excessive focus on abstract conceptualizations, Mitchell is known for his emphasis on practical, down-to-earth techniques and approaches in both his writings and trainings.

Mitchell is also noted for his motivational keynote address: Self-Improvement Through Precision Communication: Using Your Mind for a Change. In this presentation he teaches his audience how to increase the impact of their communications upon others and how to program their mind to break any habit. This presentation is based on his “dominant thought” theory which is also a key component in overcoming resistance in psychotherapy.

References

Otani, A. (1989). Resistance management techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D.: An application to nonhypnotic mental health counseling. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 11(4), 325-334.

Education and Awards
Dr. Mitchell received his B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in psychology in 1974. He earned his M.A. in clinical psychology from Western Kentucky University in 1976 and his received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology for Indiana State University in 1992. His post doctoral internship was completed at Luton Mental Health Consortium in Nashville, TN. He has been a Licensed Psychologist, HSP in the state of Tennessee since 1993.

Awards

In 2002 Dr. Mitchell received the East Tennessee State University Teacher of the Year award.

Quotes

"Resistance is the gap between where the client is and where you think they ought to be."

"Resistance management equals stress management for therapists. All therapist should study resistance—even if your clients don’t get better, you will."

"You cannot change your clients. You can only change how you interact with your clients and hope that that may influence them to change."

"People do not change because of logic, people only change when they have an emotionally compelling reason to change."

"The mind moves you and your listener in the direction of the dominant though regardless o whether or not that though is stated in the positive or negative."

"Most clients are not paying you for your knowledge, they are paying you for your language skills."

"Therapist that assume that one size fits all are highly resistant therapists. If your current therapeutic approach is not working, stop using it. Don’t beat a dead horse. One size rarely fits all. If the horse is dead, dismount."

"When it comes to therapeutic dialogue, its not just semantic, its all semantics."

"In therapy we must learn to slow down to go faster."

"All clients are ambivalent about change, that’s why they are clients. If you think your clients should want to change, you have a cognitive distortion you need to work on."

Noted Publications

Mitchell, C. W. (2007). Effective techniques for dealing with highly resistant clients (2nd ed.). Johnson City, TN., Clifton Mitchell Publishing. ISBN 0976065614

Mitchell, C. W. (2004). How to tell when a client is ready to change. The Advocate, 27(7), 1,10-11.

Mitchell, C. W. (2003). Tips for treating highly resistant clients. The Advocate, 26(11), 1,10-11.

Mitchell, C. W. (2003). Highly resistant clients: We’ve all had them. The Advocate, 26(7), 1,10-12.

Mitchell, C. W., & Rogers, R. (2003). Rape, statutory rape, and child abuse: Legal distinctions and counselor duties. The Professional School Counselor, 6(5), 332-338.

Mitchell, C. W., Disque, G., & Robertson, P. (2003). When parents want to know: Methods for dealing with parental demands for confidential information. The Professional School Counselor, 6(2), 156-161.

Haren, E. G, & Mitchell, C. W. (2003). Relationships between the five-factor personality model and coping style. Psychology and Education: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 40(1), 38-47.

Mitchell, L. L., & Mitchell, C. W. (1998). Effects of premenstrual syndrome on coping style. Psychology - A Journal of Human Behavior, 34(1), 2-10.

Mitchell, L. L., & Mitchell, C. W. (1998). Premenstrual personality alterations and psychological type: An hypothesized, nonpathological explanation. Journal of Psychological Type, 47, 12-20.

Mitchell, C. W. (1994). Effects of subliminally presented auditory suggestions of itching on scratching behavior. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 80, 87-96.

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