My job is people based. It means I get to speak to different types of humans on a daily basis. It’s a fascinating job for the most part. I enjoy the thrill of the unknown that comes with commencing a journey with a client on their way to recovery. It however sometimes comes with unexpected plot twists that even I the therapist, was not remotely prepared for.
One such plot twist was with a client (whom I’d name Zik. Kindly note that I’m sharing this story with his permission). Zik reached out for therapy and his first session was intense. There was a lot to unlayer and he had to pay for three extra hours in order to get stuff off his chest. Thankfully he was my last client for the day so I made an exception and voilà! My first “four hour” session was birthed.
After the session, he mentioned the fact that he hadn’t expected much from the session because he had experienced quack therapy before and he was trying me out as a last resort. That said, he decided to put me on a retainer. So week after week, Zik was a constant feature in my therapy calendar. His payment structure was fixed; he’d pay for four sessions at a go. Rinse and repeat.
Things took a rather unpleasant turn when some of Zik’s investments went awry and his finances literally went south. This was the period when he needed therapy the most. He however could no longer afford to pay because a lot of financial commitments took precedence. The failed investments led to a massive debt load and Zik had his hands full.
During this period, his anxiety level skyrocketed and in my heart of hearts, I knew there was no way I’d leave this guy high and dry because he could no longer pay for sessions. So I did something that a lot of therapists would call “out of the books”. I offered him limitless free sessions. Knowing the fact that Zik didn’t take too lightly to free favors, I told him to consider it a loan till he got out of the financial quagmire. I however knew I was never going to ask him for the money.
Having agreed on this plan, we continued our sessions seamlessly and oh mahn, it was a lot. Thankfully, things sort of stabilized and he was able to work out an agreement with the people he owed. He then devoted his time to recuperating and finding his footing business wise. It was at this point that we both agreed that it was safe to pend therapy till he could afford his sessions.
Mission accomplished. End of story… right? Well, NOT QUITE.
I received the shocker of my life when a few weeks ago, I got an alert from Zik. Dude paid for those sessions! Guess what? He said that was just half payment! Haaaaa!!!!
Men and brethren, to be honest I may or may not have shed tears. It wasn’t so much about the money, but the fact that he apparently was taking notes of his sessions and decided to pay as soon as he regained his footing.
I was genuinely surprised. That level of integrity came as a huge blow that dented the natural perception that humans are rippers and it’s a “dog eat dog” system out there. It was I who knew that I wasn’t planning to ever see it as a debt. He however took it upon himself to pay the moment he could. I felt so appreciated and valued.
Most importantly, my hope in humanity was rekindled. Will I offer everyone in financial hardships free therapy? I don’t think so. That’s not the point. The point however is that I’d no longer see everyone from a “dog eat dog” perspective anymore. The big lesson for me is that “not everyone is out to use or exploit you”. There are more Ziks out there and if there aren’t, well… Become a Zik. Don’t use people, show gratitude for favours done for you, be a man/woman of your words and live a life of empathy.
Cheers to all the Ziks in the world, making it easier for us to be reminded of what it truly means to be human🥂
With Warmth,
‘Dedoyin