Building a relationship/rapport with students is an incredibly valuable experience with many benefits to both the therapist and the student. Establishing rapport, and having the child want to play with, and be around, the therapist, reduces the likelihood of problem behaviors during sessions. It also facilitates an increase in motivation and efficiency of the work being asked of a child. In other words, the student is more likely to cooperate and take on challenges of instructions.
Rapport building involves many steps which are crucial to follow in order for rapport building to be successful. First, minimize any “turn offs” to the student when first meeting him/her. This means, avoid saying no and avoid over prompting the student. If needed, give the student time to be as independent as possible. Make sure to balance control. You want the student to lead the session, but as a therapist you need to determine the boundaries and have follow through in the directions you deliver.
Second, identify the students’ reinforcers. Expand their interests and add small variations to those interests. Once determined, deliver extrinsic reinforcers in sessions. This can include activities like tickles or an iPad. Initially, this can be done freely, but the student should eventually emit a desirable behavior before reinforcement is given.
Third, introduce games and activities to the student, but understand that building rapport is not strictly about playing games. However, games and activities can lead to natural reinforcement later. Whatever activities you decide to do with your student, make sure that it is more fun to engage in the activity with you rather than without you. While doing this, make sure to allow room for the student to be spontaneous and interact. Finally, try to utilize anticipation in sessions as this can help in your vibrancy in later sessions.
When beginning with new students it is important to build the relationship up with establishing rapport. Using these techniques should aid in that process.