The Awkward Dance – Offering Therapy When You're Feeling “Low”
- Brainz Magazine
- Sep 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2024
Written by: Renèe Hughes, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you ever feel you are armed with wisdom and empathy, ready to guide others through the maze of their emotions. But there's just one tiny problem — your mood is about as sunny as a thunderstorm. Suddenly, the prospect of coaching or worse having sales conversations to attract new clients feels about as comfortable as wearing a porcupine suit at a cuddle party. Let's explore this conundrum and why therapists in a low mood may find sales conversations extra awkward.
The "I'm fine" smile
When you're feeling down, maintaining a professional façade while talking to your clients becomes a delicate balancing act. While your mind is busy playing a sad violin concerto, you must summon your best "I'm fine" smile. You want to exude confidence and optimism, but your face seems to have taken a vacation to Grumpyville. So, there you are, desperately hoping your potential client doesn't notice your slightly strained smile, while internally chanting, "Please don't ask how I'm doing!"
The inner monologue meltdown
During your session, it's important to actively listen and respond to your client's needs. However, when your own mood is hovering near the depths of gloominess, maintaining focus becomes an epic battle. As your client shares their struggles, your mind takes an unsolicited detour down a rabbit hole of self-pity and introspection. You're torn between empathy for your client and mentally drafting a sad poem about your own existential angst. Oh, the mental multitasking!
The jolly sales jargon
Taking this a step further is “sales” conversations, that moment when you offer your services. This often involves persuasive language and enthusiastic conversation to guide potential clients. Your best sales tactic becomes a whispered plea: "Please believe me, I'm actually really good at this."
The irony of self-promotion
As a therapist, you excel at helping others navigate their emotions and solve their problems. However, when it comes to promoting your own services, suddenly self-promotion becomes an Olympic sport in awkwardness. While you wholeheartedly believe in the value of therapy, your low mood plays a cruel trick on your self-confidence. It's like wearing a sandwich board that reads, "I can fix you, but I'm broken myself." The irony is not lost on you, and it certainly doesn't make the conversations any easier.
The fear of inauthenticity
One of the pillars of effective therapy is authenticity. Clients seek therapists who are genuine, empathetic, and real. But when your own mood is in the dumps, you worry about coming across as disingenuous during conversations. You grapple with the fear of putting on a false facade, wondering if your potential client can see right through your low-mood charade. The battle between your authentic self and the need to attract clients creates a dance of contradictions.
So, we get it, self-promotion and sales conversations for therapists in a low mood can feel as comfortable as a cactus pillow. Yet, in this awkward dance, there's a silver lining. First, it serves as a reminder that therapists, too, are human beings with their own emotions and struggles. Despite the discomfort, it highlights the resilience and dedication of therapists who show up for their clients, even when they're feeling low. Second, it gives you authentic words you can share with your clients to let them know you truly understand them and don’t stand in judgement. Your low days arm you with empathy and that’s a beautiful thing to take into your sessions for coaching and for sales conversations. So, next time you find yourself in the grips of uncertainty due to your own mood, just remember, be yourself. You really are great at what you do and by being authentic and learning to appreciate your skills, clients will feel safe and nurtured.
Renèe Hughes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Renee Hughes is the CEO & Founder of The Aromaspecialists. She is a trailblazing aromatherapist and mentor who has shattered the myth that success in the clinical holistic industry requires endless hours and burnout. With a part-time approach, Renee has not only achieved remarkable financial success but has also supported hundreds of clinical business owners through her masterclasses and workshops.
Renee's mission is to help licensed and certified clinical and holistic business owners effectively communicate their value. While guiding them to the realization that a thriving business and personal well-being can coexist harmoniously.
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