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?

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

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. We hope to see you there! 

We are going on a cross-Canada tour in May 2026! Keep an eye out for dates!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

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