This is a highly requested topic that comes with so much charge and tenderness. This week, we’re talking about being rejected by a client. We explore the myriad of rejections that can happen in the relationship - both micro and macro moments.
We tenderly share what can come up for therapists when a client stops scheduling sessions or tells us they want to stop seeing us. This is an especially vulnerable moment for new therapists and we remember well how crushing it felt in the beginning.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the many reasons that clients reject therapists and we dive into the pieces that the therapist has to own and all of the pieces that have nothing to do with the therapist. We strongly believe that moments of rejection can be learning opportunities for therapists but that shame and “I’m a bad therapist” thoughts are rarely helpful.
This episode is about recognizing that rejection is a normal part of this work but also honouring how painful it can be. We share what has helped us to build our capacities for rejection and what we have learned from being “dumped” by clients.
How are you when a client stops booking sessions? How do you feel if a client tells you they don’t want to keep working together? What have you learned in the process or a client pulling away from the relationship?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Love Letter to Ourselves and to You, Our Listeners
Managing Our Own Shit When It's Activated in Session
When You Feel Like You Need to Prove Yourself
Starting and Ending Sessions
Responding to "I Don't Know"
Cancellations, Late Cancellations, and No-Shows
Helping Clients Take Relational Risks
Disillusionment, Exhaustion, and the Economy: Why so many therapists are leaving the field
The Differences and Similarities Between In-Person and Virtual Sessions
When Clients Talk about "Small Things"
Therapist Boundaries
Naming the Elephant in the Room
Working with Shame
The Therapist as Fellow Traveller
What We Look for in Practicum Students
Hardest Moments, Most Joyful Moments
The Dreaded Summer Slump
The Basic Skills of Therapy, According to Us
Q&A: Big Questions Answered
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