CLIENT: “Is this what I should be doing? You know - telling you about my background?”

MG: “Yep”

I didn’t know it at the time - but the answer should have been “No”.

My new client - a lovely older man - had been referred to me for his crippling insomnia. He went straight into telling me the history of … himself. Telling me key events in his life - 1 or 2 mini-stories from each decade of his life.

He was an engaging speaker and I was an avid listener.

But by the end of the 50-min initial appointment …

CLIENT: “So … what do I do about my sleep this week?”

MG: “I don’t know. We didn’t talk about your sleep, so we’re gonna have to focus on that next week.”

I was just starting out as a clinical psychologist, so I thought I should not interrupt my clients as a way to bond with them.

The more they could talk to me, the better the bond, and the better their therapy experience.

Now I do things very differently.

I take charge of the sessions. I focus on the goal they wish to achieve. And I try to have fun along the way.

So this week’s blog is about the different classes of clients I’ve seen over the years. What they do. And what you should do.

Well, that’s if you work in the area of sleep …

Client No. 1 - The Storyteller

As you can tell from the intro, this older gentleman was a classic Mr Storyteller.

They speak like their voice is honey, and they cast a ‘stun’ spell on their audience.

And the unsuspecting therapist is easily stunned by their stories.

The Storyteller bonds easily with their therapist.

The only problem is that The Storyteller is in control of the session. When really, it should be therapist.

As you saw with the above example, the way to handle The Storyteller is to interrupt.

It feels awkward. They will be initially shocked. But if you explain why you need to take control - that it’s for their benefit - then they quickly get over it.

And you can continue your journey towards their goal with a mutual respect.

But then, there’s a type of client that takes more energy to keep on the straight and narrow …

Client No. 2 - Mrs Tangent

My mother-in-law doesn’t read these blogs, so I’m pretty safe. But even if you are reading this - Mum (aka Mrs Tangent) - then I know we will have a laugh about it.

Mrs Tangent lives by her namesake.

You ask a question - even if it’s phrased in such a way that the only answers are either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ - and they begin to answer your question by:

1. setting the scene,

2. sneak in a general answer whilst you’re distracted, and

3. then talk about something else.

4. And then something else.

5. Etc.

If you let Mrs Tangent speak for long enough, she’ll say - “What was the question?”.

The strategy employed with Mrs Tangent is the same as with The Storyteller.

You’ve just gotta keep reminding them - politely - when they begin to go off track.

And can I just say that with practice, you get better at spotting when Mrs Tangent begins to go off track - and when to squeeze in the sign that the conversation needs another ‘wheel alignment’

Wanna know the other types of clients? …

And how to adapt to their style so they can reach their goal?

Simply subscribe within the next 36 hours.

And as you’ll see below, you’ll get an added bonus for subscribing next week!

Well - not just an added bonus. More like 50 Sleep Tips!

• Prof MG

100 Sleep Tips

Next week sees our 100th blog - and as we’ve been hinting - it’s going to be about 100 Sleep Tips.

I must admit, it ain’t easy finding 100 sleep tips. Nevertheless, here’s how it’s going to work:

Members will be receiving all 100 tips.

Subscribers are gonna get 75.

And those not captured by the above are gonna get 25.

It’s been really interesting discovering the science behind these sleep tips. It even means I’ve learned that some tips don’t have the backing of science.

So I guess there will be some Sleep Myths scattered throughout.

But I hope you get something out of these tips. If not for your clients, but even for you or your loved ones.