I’ve been working with an extremely difficult client for months now (Sarah). Breaking down barriers and defeating years of in her mind “BS therapists and other idiotic professionals” is a huge challenge (can you say…defense mechanism). Despite unexpected outbursts and questions about my professional qualifications and reasons for being on this Earth, she’s still my client and claims to be committed to our work. Her family has been extremely supportive as well. Plus this girl is wickedly smart and perceptive. She will catch everything. It is quite a challenge at times. But one she needs.
I decided to turn my session around. What does this mean? I let the client run things and allow him or her to guide me through a process. In this case, I was setting up a new computer in my office and I asked for Sarah to run the show. Of course, she asks me why is she paying to teach me about my computer, but she reluctantly decides to help. I figured she would because she is obsessed with her computer.
She was brilliant! I am very computer savvy myself, but she suggested certain things that I didn’t even consider. Plus, she showed respect and patience I’ve never seen from her in the past. She also smiled! But the most shocking part of all was the email I received later in the day asking me if I had any additional questions and that she’s looking forward to our next session. Showing her my commitment and connecting with her were the key to making the process successful. We are now off to a great start.
For more information on my ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching, please visit www.adhdefcoach.com. In addition to working with clients in-person, I also work with clients all over the United States and World online, please visit www.onlineadhdcoach.com for more information. To learn more about my other services, please visit www.carrolleducationalgroup.com & www.iepexperts.com. I can be found on Twitter at ADHDGuru. You can also find me on Facebook, Google Plus and Tumblr. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.