best way to say no to a client

[Karma of the Poodle]

Hi Folks,

I am a new therapist working part time things are going well, i have a lady who has arthritis, she had a letter from her GP recommending hot stone massage. I have given her a couple of treatments, However i am not happy with the situation such as:
Massage in bed and difficult to get to places she needs massaging.
Husband or Son in the room watching ( they pay me at the end ).
long distance for me to travel, I'm now getting lots of local business.
But i just feel uncomfortable with the situation.

Should i be able to tell this lady that i can no longer treat her, i dont know anyone to recommend her too.

If you have any advice i would be most greatful

 

[Cannoli]

this is a golden opportunity to realise that you can say no to someone who is not your ideal client.

You have discovered what is your preferred catchment area too.

If you see her again, and it is eg the third session, how about saying something like it was something you could offer as a one- off series of three, as it is actually outside your catchment area. so you are unable to continue the visits.


Be careful not to give any other reasons, esp ones that they could sort out by making changes their end, like offering to be out of the room /buying a couch etc.

Even if there are no other hot stone people in her area, is there another massuer more local to her for referral.

It does sound important for you to follow that 'I am just not comfortable' and let her go


good luck

tigress

 

[alt.healer]

I had typed a whole screed of a reply, then had to go and answer the phone, and the whole lot disappeared!
Anyway - I said - be honest. Tell the husband/son that the treatment space is inappropriate for you to work in, and that the travelling distance is too long. As you don't know anyone in their area, it may be advisable for them to consult their GP, to ask if he/she could look in his copy of the NHS Directory of Alternative and Complementary Practitioners (www.nhsdirectory.org) to see if there is anyone suitably qualified in their catchment area.

I only treat people in their own beds if the bed is adjustable - otherwise, I do not treat. Government carers are not allowed to treat without an assistant to help lift, so I don't see that I am any different. Protect yourself.

 

[RooDwaeoee]

Thank you both for the advice, i really appreciate it

 

[Ellabombella]

And remember that you're self employed, you have the right to decline treatment to anyone, with no need to give a reason; just like they have the right to decline treatment by you.

As to how you go about doing so, I can imagine it being difficult; but you have to find a way that YOU are comfortable with. Remember that you're not obliged to explain yourself at all.

Personally I would always look to provide other options for them, such as finding someone else who could take them on, whether that's massage, hot stones, or something completely different you feel she'd benefit from.
As for explaining why you're not going to continue treating, after you already have in the past; stick to the truth, if she's outside your catchment area, say that (though she may still want to see you at a friend's house within your area - would you accept that?). If it's that having tried treatment on a bed, it's just not working out for you, and you're risking injuring yourself; then say that (though I would expect any mobile therapist to have a portable couch for precisely that reason). If you just find them a bit creepy and are generally uncomfortable with the situation, but can't put your finger on why.... then it might be diplomatic to find another reason; but it has to be one that you'r confortable with, and still, remember, you don't have to have, let alone give a reason for declining treatment.