A Tugboat Analogy

A tugboat’s main purpose is to help other vessels begin their journey by aiding their navigation through a certain area. These areas are often challenging or crowded, making it difficult for vessels to maneuver through on their own. Once a vessel is out of this challenging area, the tugboat and the vessel will part ways as the vessel continues on their journey. The vessel is not to be reliant on the tugboat for the entire journey. If a vessel returns to the same port, or finds a different port, a tugboat will be there to help guide them in until they are set to go on their next journey. My intention is not for my clients to become dependent; I want to see them flourish on their own, just like the tugboat does with other vessels. If we should end services, it does not mean that services cease forever. Clients are always welcome to return.

Being a counselor and consultant is an interesting job because my goal is to work myself out of a job. As much as I love working alongside my clients, my job is to get them to a space where they feel comfortable and capable enough to maneuver through life on their own using the tools and techniques we worked on together. This of course, does not mean that I do not want to see my clients or want them to come back. Just as mentioned in the above analogy, I will welcome returning clients, for as long as I am still practicing.