How to Stop Saying Yes to Every Client Out of Fear (And Still Serve Ethically)

Sharon Thornley
Mar 31
3 min read

If you're constantly overbooking yourself, squeezing in “just one more” session, or agreeing to things that don't feel aligned...

It might not be your time management.

It might be fear.

And it’s a fear so many therapists and counsellors carry silently:

“If I say no… what if no one else comes?”

Let’s unpack that — and talk about how to start choosing your clients, not chasing them.And yes — we’ll also talk about how to still help those people, earn passive income, and stay aligned with your values.

Saying Yes to Everyone Isn’t Noble — It’s Unsustainable

You probably became a therapist because you care. You want to help. You’re good at holding space.But what happens when that turns into over-functioning, people-pleasing, or avoiding your own needs?

You end up:

Taking on clients who drain you
Working hours that ruin your routine
Undercharging because you're afraid to lose people
Ignoring red flags because you’re scared to “lose the income”

And when you’re constantly operating from fear and scarcity… it shows. In your energy, your business, and eventually, your health.

Here’s the Reframe: Saying No is an Act of Self-Trust

Saying no isn’t unkind. It’s intentional.It creates space — for the right clients, for rest, for creativity, for you.

When you build a business model that includes more than one stream of income, you give yourself permission to stop saying yes out of panic.

You stop depending entirely on 1:1 sessions to survive.

You start making decisions from a place of stability — not scarcity.

Don’t Want to Take That Client? Here’s What to Do Instead (and Get Paid)

You can still help people who aren’t a right fit for you — just in a different way.

One powerful option?Referral platforms and affiliate partnerships.

Platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer affiliate programmes for professionals who refer new users. So when someone reaches out but they’re not your ideal client — or your books are full — you can say:

“I’m not the right therapist for you, but I recommend trying BetterHelp. Here’s my link — they’ll match you with someone who’s a better fit, and it’s easy to get started.”

You’re not ghosting them.You’re not sending them off without support.You’re giving them a path forward and creating a new stream of income for yourself.

Other Ethical Affiliate Ideas for Therapists

Affiliate marketing doesn’t have to feel shady. When done with transparency and intention, it’s just another way of sharing what you already love and trust.

Here are a few examples therapists can recommend and earn from:

📘 Your favourite therapy books (via Amazon Associates or Bookshop.org)
📱 Mindfulness or mental health apps (like Calm, Headspace, or Moodfit)
🧘 Therapy tools: journals, card decks, weighted blankets
📚 Courses or trainings for peers and clients (CPD, mental wellbeing, etc.)
⚙️ Practice software (SimplePractice, TheraNest, Halaxy — many have referral programmes)

It’s a win-win-win: your audience gets something helpful, the brand gains a new customer, and you earn a small commission for connecting the dots.

Build Space Without Guilt

This is your reminder that you’re allowed to:

✅ Set boundaries✅ Say no without explaining yourself✅ Refer people elsewhere with love and confidence✅ Make ethical money outside the therapy room✅ Build a business that sustains you just as much as it supports others

Ready to Redesign Your Practice?

At LLJ Marketing, we help therapists build sustainable practices that include scalable income, beautiful websites, smart systems, and aligned marketing — without compromising their values.

We’ll help you:

Map out your income streams (including affiliate options that make sense for you)
Create a referral page for your site to send clients who aren’t a fit
Develop digital resources that serve others while protecting your energy
Build a business model that gives you space to breathe again

📞 Book a free discovery call and let’s make space — without fear.🧠 Or follow us for weekly tips that help you grow without burning out.