My Clients, My Heroes

The amount of times that I look up from my life and go... “Whoa. This is my job? Cool!” still surprises me. Right now I'm sitting at a cafe waiting for a near stranger to come and meet me to put their life plans at least somewhat in my hands. I find this totally awe-inspiring. The fact that this person (and each of my clients) has chosen vulnerability at this level is so humbling.

Here's what's going on under the surface in a typical first session:

Client arrives, wondering if this was a good idea or, alternatively, super excited to get started, and often not even knowing what I look like (I find them).

We talk about what they did since our phone consult, the homework I assigned. This, too, is amazing, that this person is putting their trust in me enough to do what I suggest.

The homework brings up issues and concerns. These can be very surface-level, or more core. The client decides how much they want to share with me as the sessions progress. I make observations about what may be limiting them or keeping them from success, but it's not therapy. We don't dwell on the past or spend much time wondering why things are the way they are. We systematically uncover their passions and purpose. We focus on moving forward with intention. 

Then they start to make progress on their dreams. Often quite a lot of progress, which brings up more issues. What if I'm not successful? What if I don't get the dream job it took me the last two months/my whole life to figure out? What if my family doesn't support my choice to start a business? This is big stuff!

And the client presses on (with some encouragement, of course). And they start to see results. Their life starts to change, which is also scary. Change, even when it's what you've always wanted, can be unsettling. Routines change. Incomes change. The way you relate to yourself (typically with greater self-esteem and purpose) changes. It's... different. Exciting. Weird.

And I get to be there, for the whole thing. Amazing, right?
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So here I am, at another cafe, waiting to embark on another exciting journey of vulnerability with someone.

​He has no idea in what high esteem I hold him. And we haven't even met yet.