The MINDIE Method

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual psychotherapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett Psychotherapy practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session
visit mbexecutivehealth.com 

Dear Mindie,

I am having a terrible time at work! I work in marketing and own my own practice. I have a variety of clients from many different industries. I would like to think I’m good at my job and I’ve been doing this for more than three decades. I have had a small share of unhappy clients but more have been pleased than not, to say the least! I am writing about one very disgruntled client who has been unfairly lashing out at me and is now accusing me of being unprofessional and sloppy at my job.

No projects are ever smooth sailing but most of what this person is accusing me of is unfounded. I have really tried my best to please this person but today she fired me, and this is leaving me feeling very unsettled and questioning my overall approach with her. I plan to make good on what she hired me to do, regardless, but can’t help but feel a little “less-than.” Can you please offer some advice so that I can look at this experience with less anger and more from a place of growth?  

Sincerely
Unhappy

Dear Unhappy,

I am deeply sorry to hear about your work predicament. When you have your own business and work with many clients, you’re bound to have some with personalities which may not match your own. It sounds like that may be what is happening here. While I do not know anything about what your former client is accusing you of, based on your history noted and time in your industry, it’s safe to assume you are indeed seasoned and talented. Otherwise, you would not be in the industry for as long as you have, nor would you continue to have clients trust you enough to hire you.

That said, there are always 3-truths to every story: yours, theirs, and the reality. If you can try and see the situation from the perspective of your former client, review their accusations and do your best to reflect on any areas you may be able to improve.

Doing so will provide you with a learning experience rather than one that is sour and makes you feel resentful. 

Working out, going for a run, doing a quick fitness routine will ease your mind and bring your cortisol levels (which are at a high right now) down. Lastly, do something nice for yourself.  

Allow yourself the time to watch a favorite show, enjoy a cup of tea, read a good book or simply call up a good friend. Being kind to ourselves when we aren’t feeling our best is a wonderful way to restore positive feeling and regroup.

While it sounds like your client may be treating you unfairly or simply looking for things to blame you for, you should not take it personally. I know that part may be a hard pill to swallow, but this is one person’s opinion and if you truly feel as though you’ve worked hard and have done your very best to deliver their desired results, at the end of the day, that is all you can do. You can hold your head high and know that while this client may be less than thrilled, you have a legacy of other clients who are indeed pleased. I would put your stock in that mindset and continue to collect evidence to support that frame of mind.

Best of luck and much love, 
Mindie xo