1. Acknowledge and welcome:

When you notice resistance in a client, acknowledge it. For example, say: “I sense there’s hesitation. Can we explore that?” This shows the client that resistance is normal and acceptable.

2. Get curious:

Ask open-ended questions to understand the resistance better. For instance:

• “What does this resistance feel like in your body?”
• “If this resistance could speak, what would it say?”
• “What’s the worst that could happen if you let go of this resistance?”

3. Invite resistance to fully express itself:

Encourage the client to voice their resistance completely. Say something like, “If your resistance could say anything without filter, what would it express?”

4. Explore the protective function:

Help the client see how their resistance might be trying to protect them. Ask, “How has this resistance been serving you?”

5. Investigate the validity of resistant thoughts:

Gently question the truth of resistant beliefs. Ask, “Is this absolutely true? Can you be 100% certain?”

6. Invite a shift in perspective:

Encourage the client to consider alternative viewpoints. Ask, “What would someone who loved you unconditionally say about this belief?”

7. Notice what’s aware of the resistance:

Guide the client to recognize the awareness that’s observing their resistant thoughts and feelings. Ask, “Can you notice what’s aware of this resistance? Is that awareness itself resistant?”

Clients begin to see that resistant thoughts and feelings are not facts, but temporary appearances. They learn to relate to resistance with curiosity and compassion rather than frustration or avoidance:

• They are not their thoughts or emotions but the aware space in which these occur.
• They discover that resisting their experience creates suffering, while accepting and investigating it leads to freedom.
• Hidden beliefs and patterns come to light, allowing for awareness of automatic reactions.
• Clients develop compassion as they understand the protective intent behind resistance.
• They experience the paradox that embracing resistance causes it to naturally dissolve.
• A sense of spaciousness and peace emerges as clients no longer feel compelled to fight experience.
• Clients learn to tap into innate wisdom.

This approach shifts the entire relationship to experience. Clients can move from feeling trapped by thoughts and emotions to recognizing their freedom as the aware space in which all unfolds. This is nondual understanding applied practically in everyday life.