Clinicians, what’s keeping you from terminating the wrong fit client?
Hey Clinicians, I bet you can relate to this situation! So you thought that your new client was a good fit. You didn’t detect a personality disorder in the slightest. You felt like there was a good connection with this client. And then “wham” you’ve been bamboozled and you’re reeling from it! You question yourself and your ability to screen potential clients. You didn’t see this red flag, until you witnessed your clients behavior in action! Now you’re not happy because you feel stuck with a BPD client, who just “lashed out” at you.
Clinicians, we can do all the screening necessary and still wind up stuck with a challenging client. I know that it’s important to find our niches and the populations we want to serve. Most of us believe that we can weed out the wrong fit client from the beginning, but in reality this doesn’t always happen. The wrong fit client can slip through our door undetected. So it’s really more about how you handle this situation.
Do you keep this client and then practice really firm boundaries? Or do you refer them out to someone who is the right fit for your client?
We’re in the business of helping emotionally wounded clients. They need support and compassion, so they can heal and move forward. You can navigate this tough conversation with clients, when deciding what to do in this situation. This is why I am passionate about working with Clinicians, so you have the confidence and figure out how to have this conversation, without high anxiety or burn out.
Here’s 3 things to consider, before referring a client who is not the right fit:
Your client is triggering your deep seated emotional wounds from your past and you’re left feeling guarded/disengaged or reactive.
You have zero interest in getting training or consultations, on how to work with clients with personality disorders.
You want to stick to working with your ideal clients only, to prevent burn out.
When you first notice “red flags” in your client, take time to figure out if you can do your best work with this client. And ask yourself if you can work through your own issues, so you’re not getting as triggered by your challenging client’s behaviors. But if you’re still feeling stuck with what to do, reach out to me for a 1-1 coaching or consulting session!