There comes a point in every service-based business where you ask yourself:
Am I attracting difficult clients, or am I just overreacting?
You start questioning your value, wondering how someone you helped save—from pain, from trauma, even from suicidal thoughts—can turn around and nickel-and-dime you over a few hundred dollars.
You replay the missed sessions, the no-shows, the vague excuses, and the endless back-and-forth over invoices. And if you’re anything like me, you feel like you’ve been punched in the gut.
Let’s be honest: it’s not just frustrating. It’s gutting, especially when you’re in the business of healing and saving lives.
Today is a wake-up call. For me. For you. For every heart-centered entrepreneur who bends over backwards for people who never learned how to honor what’s sacred: your time, your energy, your genius, your boundaries.
The Situation (AKA: The Breaking Point)
I had a client family who was in crisis. One of their children was suicidal. One session later, he wasn’t. That’s not hyperbole—it’s what happened. I gave my heart, my time, and my expertise. I gave complimentary appointments, made space in my schedule, and trusted we were walking a shared healing path.
But here’s how that story evolved:
- They stopped showing up.
- They didn’t communicate.
- They questioned charges that were discussed and agreed upon.
- They wanted consultations for free, treatments at their convenience, and my energy without respecting the cost of holding that space.
And then came the cherry on top:
I didn’t know talking about brain health, programs and meal planning would cost X
This is where I draw the line. And you should, too.
The Lesson: Stop Justifying Your Value
Let’s clarify: if you don’t value your work, they won’t either.
You’re training people to undervalue you when you overexplain, apologize for your prices, or silently fume over “accidental” no-shows and unpaid invoices.
And often, these are not bad people. But you’ve become a mirror for their chaos. Their lack of clarity. Their inability to hold themselves accountable.
Which is not your job.
So What Do You Do When This Happens?
Here are five hard-earned action steps you must take:
- Fire the Client (Yes, Really)
If someone repeatedly:
- Ghosts sessions
- Pushes back on agreed-upon fees
- Creates drama or confusion over invoices
- Makes you feel like you’re walking on eggshells
Then they are not a fit for your sacred work.
Give a clear, professional, boundary-honoring exit email. Here’s a sample:
“At this point, our values and expectations are no longer aligned. I honor the work we’ve done together and your journey moving forward, but I am unable to continue in this capacity.”
Done. No drama. No overexplaining.
- Shift to Prepaid Packages Only
No more “pay after” sessions.
No more explaining what’s included.
Create a predefined package that includes:
- Number of sessions
- What each session entails
- What counts as a no-show or last-minute cancellation
- A clear cancellation policy
And have it signed before you begin.
- Install an “Energy Audit” After Every Client Interaction
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel uplifted or drained after this session?
- Did I feel respected?
- Am I holding resentment toward this person?
If it’s resentment more than once? That’s your answer.
- Stop Being the Emergency Room for People Who Won’t Do Their Part
Yes, we all have compassion.
Yes, we know trauma, mental health, and stress are real.
But you are not their emotional punching bag, nor their parent.
Give resources. Offer support. But do not tolerate ongoing crisis patterns that derail your business and your own health.
- Reflect on Why You Attracted This Person
This part stings.
If you keep attracting disrespectful, chaotic, or underpaying clients, ask:
- Where am I disrespecting my time, energy, or pricing?
- What part of me still feels like I have to over-give to be loved or valuable?
- Where am I unclear in my boundaries?
This isn’t victim-blaming. It’s empowerment.
We teach people how to treat us. The clearer you get, the better your clients get.
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just About Business
It’s about reclaiming your power as a service provider, healer, coach, and practitioner and setting a standard for how your sacred work is received, honored, and valued.
You’re not a vending machine.
You’re not a therapist-on-demand.
You are a transformative force.
So if someone can’t see that, let them go.
Your next level of clients is waiting.
And they will pay. On time. With gratitude.