Client-Therapist Boredom

Abstract

The Client-Psychotherapist Boredom Inventory was administered to 36 therapists to ascertain the frequency of client and therapist boredom. Differences in reported boredom emerged in experience level of therapists but not across theoretical orientations. The multiple meanings of boredom are discussed. Finally, therapeutic management of boredom focuses on strategies for dealing with therapist in-session boredom and client problems in feeling bored in/outside therapy or in boring other people. Both adult and adolescent boredom is examined briefly utilizing an integrative eclectic approach to understanding and intervening with the boredom.