Frivolous
I have a new client. There is a hesitancy that I have read into her emails. She is terribly nervous about seeing a hypnotist for the first time (understandable). I answer all her questions as best I can and I hope for the best. She responds by requesting a session to work on releasing family issues. She writes that she feels bad about everything and everything in her life that does not turn out well is all her fault. And her words break my heart and I feel the pain in her lack of self-esteem.
We go through the usual price of sessions correspondence. She decides she wants to set up multiple appointments (I offer a price break for multiple sessions). All is ready for the appointed time.
A few days before the scheduled session, another email from her pings into my in box. She wants to know when she has to decide on the multiple session thing. I tell her she can decide after the first appointment and I can spread out the payments between the sessions (I do not think I can be too much more flexible). Her response to this is that she will let me know later because she may be laid off soon and money will be an issue. This I understand, however - this says it all - the sessions may be the first thing she cuts out because they are one of her more frivolous expenses.
Uh huh. I guess personal peace and feeling better is not “priceless” but trivial. Sigh.
August 21st, 2008 at 8:54 am
I would be surprised if she actually attends the initial visit.
I know for me my personal well-being is not frivolous.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:27 am
Sighing here, too, Ellie. It’s frustrating, isn’t it, that she clearly doesn’t treat herself as a priority and therefore won’t get the help that will encourage her to treat herself as a priority.
Of course when money problems loom it is natural for people to cut back on planned expenses first. That could also be a factor.
Here’s hoping she does make that first appointment, though.
<MR>