Dr. Domm, Psychologist - Not Superwoman

How are you doing on those resolutions? Change is definitely in the air at the beginning of the year, isn't it? I've been flooded with calls and emails from potential new clients; there are so many people out there with great intention to better themselves and their lives in 2010. I'm appreciative of all the enquiries and hope that I can be of help.

Current research shows that when we initially interact with someone, we immediately, and often unconsciously judge him or her on two main qualities: warmth (whether they are friendly and well intentioned) and competence (whether they have the ability to deliver on those intentions). This week, there were a few people whose initial impression of me as a therapist included neither of those traits.  

First, there was the woman who scheduled an appointment and then cancelled, saying she didn't like my "business oriented" attitude when, at the time of her first call, I told her about my payment and cancellation policies. Ouch. I thought I was being thorough in giving her all the information she needed. Then, there was the urgent-sounding phone call I got from a man who wanted to set up an appointment as soon as possible. I fit him into my schedule the next day, and when he didn't show up, I sent him an "are you on your way or lost?" email, to which he angrily replied that he had never confirmed the appointment and that he didn't need more stress from the doctor he was asking for help with his stress. Yeesh. My bad. And then there was the regular client who emailed asking what her appointment time was the next day. I forgot to write her back and she didn't show up. Hmm. I'll take 50% responsibility for that one.

And on top of it all, I wrote "2009" on almost everyone's receipts this week. Sorry!

All of these incidents added up to a rather stressful re-entry into post-holiday, "real life," and left me telling myself that I can do better. I'm also reminded that try as I might to be Superwoman, I'm really just a fallible and overscheduled human being. All I can do is learn from these experiences and move forward. 2010 is still in its infancy, and I still have plenty of opportunity to feel like a warm and competent person!

Cheers,

Ellen