Rejection in therapy is a deeply emotional experience, especially for new therapists. The hosts delve into the complexities of client disengagement, exploring feelings of loss and confusion. They stress the importance of understanding the reasons behind a client's decision and the growth that can come from these moments. Authentic communication is key, as well as recognizing when a client might not be a good fit. Emphasis is placed on community support and self-reflection as vital tools for managing the emotional toll of rejection.
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insights INSIGHT
Micro Rejections Are Normal
Micro-rejections happen routinely in therapy when suggestions or topics aren't absorbed by the client.
These small mismatches are normal and part of building rapport over time.
insights INSIGHT
Many Reasons Behind Client Rejection
Clients reject therapists for many reasons including mismatched style, desired technique, or perceived incompetence.
New therapists often feel this more painfully because they internalize critiques as proof of incompetence.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Reflect Before Self-Blame
After noticing a client drop or a breakup, pause, reflect, and consult supervision before jumping to shameful conclusions.
Get curious about the work to learn clinically rather than assuming you did something terrible.
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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?
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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
We're taking the couch on the road! Join us between May 9th and May 24th, we'll be heading to 8 Canadian cities for a LIVE episode recording and a chance to connect with other therapists in your area. Space is limited, so snag your ticket before it's too late! For more information, visit us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod. We hope to see you there!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite 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 for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
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