You’re a health and nutrition professional with a burning desire to make a real impact in people’s lives. You’ve got the knowledge, the expertise, and the drive to guide them towards long-term transformation. But let me ask you this:
Do you treat people you’re helping like clients or like patients?
Because this shift in perspective can take your relationship with those you want to help to a whole new level. And in this article, I’ll show you how to use the powerful Transactional Analysis model. Ready? Let’s go!
Shifting Perspectives: The Power of Client-Centric Thinking
Now, you might be asking, “What’s the big deal? Aren’t patients and clients essentially the same thing?” Well, not quite. Let me break it down for you.
When you treat someone as a patient, you inadvertently create a dynamic where they passively rely on you for guidance and solutions. It’s a one-sided relationship, focused solely on addressing symptoms and providing short-term fixes.
But when you treat them as clients, you recognise their autonomy, dreams, and aspirations. You step into the role of a trusted advisor and partner in their wellness journey.
This fundamental change transforms the dynamics of your relationship from a transactional encounter to an empowering collaboration – you become their ally, their advocate, and their cheerleader.
You actively listen to their challenges and goals. You empower them to take ownership of their well-being, make informed decisions and actively participate in the process. It’s a partnership built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
This process is beautifully explained in the Transactional Analysis model by Eric Berne. Let’s quickly see what he has to say.
Transactional Analysis: Unlocking the Power of Partnership
What is Transactional Analysis?
With a simple Google search, you’ll find a bunch of great articles on the topic. Because I respect your time, I will give you a very quick gist:
Transactional Analysis is a psychological framework developed by Eric Berne, which offers valuable insights into human behaviour and communication.
It guides us in understanding why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. It emphasizes on:
- 3 Ego States: Parent, Adult, and Child (which I will cover shortly)
- Transactions: Referring to the exchanges or interactions between individuals (verbal or non-verbal)
- Strokes: Units of social recognition or acknowledgement exchanged between individuals. They can be positive (supportive and affirming) or negative (critical or dismissive).
Now, let’s dive into each and how it ties back to our ‘Clients Vs Patients’ debate.
3 Ego States: Parent, Adult, and Child
The parent-adult-child model provides a framework for understanding interpersonal interactions. It highlights the different modes you can adopt: The nurturing parent, the rational adult, or the free child.
The Pitfalls of the Parent Mode:
When you approach your clients as patients, you often unintentionally slip into the parent mode. You unknowingly adopt a directive or authoritative stance, limiting your clients’ autonomy and hindering their long-term progress.
This dynamic can create a dependency that undermines their potential for growth.
Speaking Adult to Adult:
The key to fostering a long-term transformation lies in speaking adult to adult, and approaching your clients as equals.
You create an environment of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration. And engage in open and honest conversations, actively listening to their concerns, and co-creating strategies for success.
This shift enables your clients to tap into their own inner resources, make informed decisions, and take charge of their well-being.
Understanding Transaction Types:
It’s a vast topic and process, but I will try to simplify it here because our end goal is to see how this ties to our Clients Vs Patients topic.
But I suggest you read up on this further, it’s a very interesting subject that personally changed a lot of my interactions and how I coach other people.
Back to Transactions… They are the exchanges or interactions between individuals (verbal or non-verbal), in this case, you and your clients, which can be of 3 types.
- Complementary Transactions: When your response aligns with the ego state of your client, creating a harmonious exchange that fosters rapport and understanding.
- Crossed Transactions: When your response does not match the ego state of your client, leading to miscommunication and potential breakdowns in understanding.
- Ulterior Transactions: When there are hidden agendas or underlying messages that require you / your client to uncover the deeper layers of meaning.
Which of these transactions is ideal when it comes to the distinction between treating individuals as clients versus patients?
Of course, it’s the adult-to-adult transaction. Because in this reasonable, effective, healthy and harmonious communication takes place, ensuring the client feels heard and appreciated.
Nurturing with Positive Strokes
Strokes are the invisible currency in every human interaction. They are the units of social recognition and acknowledgement exchanged between individuals.
Imagine strokes as gentle pats on the back, verbal affirmations, and heartfelt gestures that we exchange with one another.
They play a big role in how you communicate with your clients, as they create an atmosphere of validation, support, and encouragement, nurturing the growth of individuals.
By acknowledging and appreciating their efforts, progress, and strengths, you contribute to their sense of self-worth and motivation, propelling them forward on their path of transformation.
Clients Vs Patients: Which should you adopt?
In the debate between clients vs patients, it’s clear that adopting a client-centric, adult-to-adult approach can lead to remarkable possibilities for growth and success.
As we wrap up, take a look at the key benefits that arise from this shift in perspective:
- Trust: Embracing a ‘client-centric’ mindset establishes a foundation of trust. It communicates your commitment to their success, fostering an environment where they feel safe and supported throughout their transformative journey.
- Collaboration: Through authentic and engaging conversations, you will inspire active client participation. Together, you can co-create personalised plans, set realistic goals, and develop strategies that truly resonate with your client’s individual circumstances.
- Autonomy: Moving away from the ‘patient’ label liberates individuals to make their own choices. Autonomy positions your clients as the architects of their health and nutrition journey, leading to long-term success.
It’s more than just a change in terminology. This shift opens up a world of possibilities and helps put yourself in the shoes of your clients.
Imagine the impact it would have on you if someone approached you as a valued client, invested in your well-being and growth.
So tell me… what you could change for the better in your practice? Curious to hear your thoughts!
Leave a comment and let’s discuss.
