Knowing when you’re not the right person

Twice this week, I’ve been approached by a new client and have decided to signpost them towards someone else.

Not because I wouldn’t have loved to work with them, or because I felt my skillset wasn’t sufficient, but because I believe there are other practitioners who would be better placed to support them.

When I trained to become a hypnotherapist nearly 10 years ago, I studied a whole range of different approaches. Some were things I needed to learn to complete my training, but knew I wouldn’t use in my own practice. Some hypnotherapists love the mystical, past life, crystals stuff… but it’s not for me. I think it’s important to know what interests and works for you, what doesn’t, and where your own approach has its limits.

This is one of the reasons I will always offer a free initial appointment. It’s an opportunity for someone to meet me, talk through what’s troubling them and decide whether they feel comfortable working with me. It’s also an opportunity for me to consider whether I’m the right person to help. If I feel someone would be better supported elsewhere, I’ll always be honest about that.

Teaching hypnotherapy has given me a broad network of colleagues and former students, so I’m often able to help people find someone whose skills and approach are a better fit for their needs.

I believe that knowing your own strengths, recognising your limitations and being prepared to signpost someone elsewhere are important parts of being a good, safe practitioner.

Ultimately, I want anyone who comes to see me to feel confident that we’re the right fit for each other, and that I’m genuinely the right person to help them move forward.