Responding to Client Confidences

As an advisor you have worked hard to develop your client’s trust. As a result of this growing trust, your client will share something troubling and personal about his or her family relationships. You will hear something like: “We don’t talk to our daughter and her husband.” “My son is not capable of running the business.” “My son/daughter has let me down.” “I don’t trust my youngest daughter to manage her money.” “I don’t feel comfortable with her fiancé.” “I can’t tell him that his performance at work is not up to standards.” You sense many uncomfortable feelings behind the statement. The implicit question is “What should I do about this?” and the answer feels like it is a bit beyond your expertise and comfort level.