The client who tries to be your therapist
I want to talk about the client who scares the hell out of most clinicians.
They don't scare you with threats. They scare you with competence.
This client is successful.
They're articulate.
They might be a CEO or a high-powered leader.
When they walk into your office, they take up space. They might even try to manage the session.
They tell you what they need. They analyze their own problems better than you can.
But the moment you try to offer them real care... or the moment you try to get them to touch a vulnerable feeling...
They bite.
They get bristly. They get arrogant. They might even turn the tables and start analyzing you.
Most therapists feel threatened by this, right? They get into a power struggle. And the therapy dies right there.
But if you had the right map, you wouldn't see a power struggle.
You would see a Tough/Generous Character Strategy.
You would see a little kid who was humiliated for being weak... and learned that the only way to be safe was to be the "Alpha."
They're tough because they can't afford to be "one-down."
They're Generous because giving to others is a way to stay in control without having to receive (which feels dangerous).
When you try to "help" them, their nervous system registers it as a threat
So they fight you
Next week, I'm teaching my private trauma training clients exactly how to dismantle this barrier
These are high-level clinicians... therapists certified in EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing... who have invested $6,500 to be in this room because even they get stuck with these complex cases.
I'm going to show them the specific somatic entry codes to help the Tough/Generous client put down the armor without feeling humiliated.
And for this workshop... I'm cracking the door open
For the first time, I'm letting a handful of "outsiders" join this private cohort session.
You don't have to pay the full training fee. You can grab a "Guest Pass" for a fraction of that.
Working with Treatment Barriers & Character Strategies (Live Workshop with my Private Cohort)
You'll be sitting in the (virtual) room - with some of the best trauma therapists in the field, learning the exact same advanced tools I teach them.
But fair warning: This isn't "Psych 101." We're going deep, fast.
If you want to see how the top 1% of therapists handle the "impossible" clients, claim your seat below.
Working with Treatment Barriers And Character Strategies with Advanced Somatic Skills
See you inside.
Esther
P.S. We'll also cover the Charming/Seductive strategy.
This is the client who entertains you with great stories and high drama... specifically to keep you away from their deep loneliness. It's the most "fun" distraction you'll ever encounter... until you realize you've spent 6 months going nowhere.