You Impulsively Say Yes to the Wrong Fit Client
It's natural to want to help everyone who comes to you seeking support. Your passion for your work, your desire to be compassionate, and the drive to make a difference often lead to a automatic response of "yes" when a new client reaches out. However, this impulse can sometimes result in taking on clients who aren't the right fit for your expertise, your therapeutic approach, or your current capacity. This not only affects your well-being but can also be detrimental to the client's progress.
I know what it’s like to impulsively take on the wrong fit clients. I’ll admit that I wholeheartedly believed, that I could help those who wanted my help. Unfortunately this decision created more stress and conflict than I had anticipated. This is why I want to help you, so you can make the right decision and not suffer with the consequences.
So here’s how you can stop impulsively saying "yes" to clients who may not be the best fit, and how you can make more intentional, informed decisions about the clients you choose to work with.
Know who your ideal client is and your specialization. Knowing your areas of expertise and the type of clients you can help act as a filter for incoming requests. Having a clear understanding of your professional focus helps you quickly assess whether a client’s needs align with your skill set and therapeutic approach.
Pause and Assess Your Capacity. Taking a moment to assess whether you have the time, emotional energy, and mental bandwidth to take on a new client ensures that you don’t say “yes” out of an automatic desire to help, but from a place of clarity and thoughtful consideration.
Have a Clear Referral Network. Having trusted colleagues and resources to refer clients to allows you to say “no” with confidence and compassion, knowing you’re still providing the client with the help they need. It prevents the feeling of letting someone down while protecting your time and energy.
By focusing on these three strategies—defining your ideal client, pausing to assess your capacity, and using a referral network—you can confidently stop saying "yes" to the wrong fit clients, protect your own well-being, and ensure that clients are still connected with the right support.