Do You Hold Onto Wrong-Fit Clients, Out of Fear of Failure?
As clinicians, we chose a challenging career because we want to truly help people. So we often take in a variety of client issues, in believing that we have the ability to support everyone that comes through our door. But, if we’re not equipped, educated or experienced in treating these issues, this will lead to us to anxiety, in feeling like we’ve failed, especially when are clients are not improving or even getting worse.
When I was on 14 health insurance panels, I felt pressured to take on any client that contacted me. When I took on the wrong fit clients, I felt like a failure for not knowing how to work with their issues. I also felt guilty if I turned down clients, because of the rules with the insurance contracts; you must take on clients if I have openings. This only set me up to fail!
Today I strongly disagree with working with just “any client.” Over time I’ve learned that it’s important to work with the right fit client, that supports both me as well as my clients. This is why I’m passionate in supporting Clinicians like you, so you can let go of the wrong fit clients, to protect yourself from burnout!
Here’s 3 reasons to refer out “wrong fit” clients:
You have no interest in learning more about their issues or disorder.
You don’t have the time, energy or money to get specialized training and education with supervision, to support your client.
Your client is triggering your deep seated issues, that you haven’t completely healed from. You know that there’s potential to do more harm, if you keep this client.
When we hold onto the wrong fit clients out of fear of failure, we actually are doing a disservice to them. Client’s deserve the right fit therapist, so they can work through their issues successfully with the right care and without harm.
I highly suggest that you work with the right fit clients, to prevent burnout and so your clients can gain the benefit, from your support, education, skills and expertise. Otherwise it’s best practice, to provide the wrong fit clients with the right fit referrals.