Overcoming Frustration: The Role of Referrals in Initial Consultations
You’re in the middle of a consultation with a potential client, when “whistles and bells” go off in your head! This feels strange!….This is person really wants to work with you, but you can tell that something “is off.” Sure, they are technically your ideal client, but you can hear manipulation beneath their words. You also noticed how quickly they “took charge” of the consultation. And they became defensive, when you tried to put some structure back into the consultation. Not only did your consultation go over the allotted time, it didn’t allow you time to discuss important things like Superbills, the late cancelation fees, and if this feels like the “right fit,” or not.
How many of us have left a consultation feeling frustrated, when we accept a client that is NOT our “right fit” client? Well, I’ve done it too many of times! This does impact our therapeutic relationships when we know we should have referred this person out, instead of making them a client!
You dread seeing this client and you secretly wish that they’ll quit therapy! I know we want to help everyone, but it’s not good for our mental health when it’s not the right fit client! So what stops you from providing them referrals during the consultation?
Don’t forget we have choices! We can keep difficult clients and just “make it work,” or we can chose to refer them out to someone who can help them. This is why I love working with Clinicians, to build your confidence, so you can have these uncomfortable conversations with success!
Here’s 3 Tips to build confidence, to refer out the wrong fit clients:
Unpack your scarcity or negative mindset, and the beliefs that maintain these thoughts. Work on building an abundant or positive mindset. Challenge your beliefs.
Practice affirmations out loud and throughout your day. Overtime you’ll start to believe in them. It can change how you think, feel and behave. Here’s an affirmation example: “I am confident in my abilities and I trust myself.”
Always have a running list of go-to referrals. Update your list with Colleagues and counseling agencies, that have different niches and populations they serve. They’ll appreciate the referrals and may return the gesture.
So the next time you’re in a consultation that doesn’t sit right with you, know that you have options. It’s always okay to provide referrals. It’s more important to take on the “right fit” clients, so you can do your best work and so clients can get the right help!