How to determine whether to begin processing

Prioritize the safety of the client in the therapeutic relationship, assessing their sense of connection and comfort. Gauge the effectiveness of the rapport and attachment being built, as this significantly impacts the client's readiness for challenging therapeutic work. Monitor for signs of safety within the client's nervous system; if they sense a threat—real or imagined—they may resist processing trauma. This resistance can manifest as blocked processing, where the client seems stuck in repetitive thoughts without progress. Alternatively, clients may display a tendency to please the therapist, quickly processing trauma without showing expected distress, indicating a lack of genuine engagement with their feelings. Such behavior may arise from a desire to meet perceived expectations or an ingrained strategy from past experiences. Hence, it is crucial to reflect on whether the speed of processing is authentic or driven by the client’s need to please, especially early in the therapeutic relationship.