How to Handle Doorknob Statements
What is a Door Knob Statement?
When a client waits until the last minutes of a session to share something, usually important, as they are about to leave and open the door handle
Common Doorknob Statements, Themes & Topics
Suicidality
Homidicality
Disclosing traumatic experiences/events
Client saying they have nothing to talk about, but then sharing something that is substantial and meaningful
Wanting to bring up a difficult/challenging topic, but unsure how to do so
Not ready to end the session so prolonging it unconsciously or consciously
Those with a history of attachment trauma and fear being left and have difficulties with endings and saying goodbye
And more
Why Do Clients Engage in Door Knob Statements?
Takes about 30-40 minutes to become comfortable and drop their psychological defenses and thus get more in touch with themselves
Avoidance of difficult/challenging/painful topics/events/stories/experiences
Attachment and relational issues such as having difficulties with endings/goodbyes/closures
Internal conflict between wanting to share their internal world (vulnerable) and conflict between employing defenses/survival strategies/protective mechanisms (safety)
And more
Things To Consider
Letting clients know they have 10-15 minutes before a session ends
Offering longer sessions for trauma processing (75-minutes, 90-minutes)
Clients who use door knob statements might also procrastinate/prolong in other areas of their life
Normalizing and validating the client
Sample Ways To Reply
I’m glad you shared this. This is important. I’m going to write this down and we can discuss this at the beginning of our next session.
We have about 5 minutes left and what you’re saying it’s important. I want to make sure we have time to fully explore this topic, so why don’t we pause here and talk about this at the next session?
Why don’t you write this down and bring this up at the beginning of our next session?