The New York Times has an interesting article about psychiatrists who treat the very wealthy. While coaching is distinct from therapy, there is wisdom that applies equally to both. From the article [My comments in brackets]:
More than a dozen therapists who are respected by their peers in the counseling of extremely wealthy patients said in interviews that…it can be hard to resist the temptation to sycophantically adopt their [patients’] point of view. [In coaching, we remind ourselves not to “Buy into the client’s story.” A key to effective coaching is to help the client see the arbitrary and flexible nature of their story and support them in the invention of a more effective narrative.] …So I teach my people who are treating wealthy people, ‘Don’t get in your patients’ boats.’ ”
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Part of the therapeutic model for many practitioners involves charging whether the patient shows up or not: The idea of obligation — and the notion that there be some cost incurred for not meeting it — becomes essential to the treatment. [I have come to a similar conclusion through my coaching of CEOs. Charging for the missed meeting is part of the coaching. If my schedule is infinitely flexible and free I can not maintain the peer-level relationship essential to be coach and adviser to highly-effective people. Besides, I’m busy, too!]
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