How do you refer or terminate a client?

Navigating the intricacies of client referrals and terminations as an interview coach is an essential aspect of our profession. When it comes to referring a client, transparency is key. Initiate an open conversation about your availability and potential limitations, and recommend a colleague whose expertise aligns with their needs. Making introductions and facilitating a smooth transition demonstrates your commitment to their success even beyond your direct assistance. On the other hand, when considering terminating a coaching relationship, clear communication is paramount. Schedule a private conversation to explain your decision, offer alternative resources if possible, and express gratitude for the trust placed in your services.

Be proactive. We discontinue the engagement only when we lost the ability and/or the willingness to perform according to agreements. Be sure that while engaged, performances are measured and timely communicated. These provide the opportunity to improve performance and the relationship as well. Otherwise, the engagement is unlikely to prosper with non conformances that will eventually lead to termination. Therefore, managing alliances entails monitoring and communicating results to nurture a relationship and avoid a regretful termination with eroded emotional bank account.

Before you do anything, study all the factors that may affect the success or failure of the process. This is a delicate situation and you may have to be quick in adjusting at the right moment what you need to do. Do the balancing act to ensure you do not appear biased and partial. Note that regardless of the outcome, ensure that this is done with respect, integrity and clarity of communication.

I do not particularly endorse the word "terminate". If at all a coach or mentor genuinely believes that the interest of the client will be better served by some thing else or some one else, he/she can share and explain that belief with the client. The one-to-one relationship with the client continues in my books, even if the coaching or mentoring relationship ends. Maybe at a later point of time, the client and I may choose each other for coaching or mentoring again

While a decision to 'end' the coach and client relationship is made, it is always in the best interests of both parties to part ways with a good understanding of why things turn out that way. Be mindful that the client may turn out emotional, so you have to exercise empathy and make him/her feel the support that you have during the transition.

The process of referring or terminating a client can be emotionally taxing for a coach. Supervision provides a safe space to receive support & help coaches manage their own emotional responses. Supervision ensures coaches adhere to ethical guidelines & best practices, minimising risk of ethical violations. It provides a forum for discussing ethical dilemmas & receiving guidance on how to handle them appropriately as well as offering a valuable external perspective. So supervision for coaches should be a necessity not a 'nice to have'. It provides emotional support, ethical guidance, and opportunities for professional growth, whilst ultimately ensuring coaches handle such situations with professionalism and care.

There have been easy and difficult cases. Now, I see them all as exercises that have helped me become more able to listen, control my emotions and be aware of my mentee's perspective. Once a lady who wanted to start her business asked for my services.RIght from the beginning I realized that what she was actually looking for is someone who would agree wit her that she shouldn't start her business. For any course of action I would suggest she would come up with a reason why it wouldn't make sense to act. I was so frustrated! My deep-seated bias of feeling unworthy came on the surface and was begging for my attention. I was not able to take distance from my emotions at the time. Now I know better.

When the consumers come for Counselling or therapy they want their lives or issues getting better and manageable. I would suggest to my consumers to move forward and see how they can say so long and they can come for any issue if they wish or see others therapies. So termination is not good bye but allowing our consumers to work it out in their real situation in their own environment. I know what I am good at and areas that I yet to learn.

We would find a therapist who can listen and understand our issues to give us some insight. When we feel the therapist begins to make some suggestions about areas that require attention to or some adjustments. At this point of therapy, I would know we are ready to proceed or refer this consumer to someone I believe suitable for this case or terminate this case.

When I see my clients, we hope to make a difference in their problems. From the initial session we would get some ideas that we can get along well as far as how the clients can get the best help. If I am hesitated because of my trainings or experience in their issues I would rather refer them some of my associates who I believe are able to get better sooner. Especially has to do with mental health difficulties,earlier intervention is the key to best practice and safety for all. For the counsellors can sleep well,the consumers want to get on with well adjusted living and the community is safe.