I had a client tell me the other day that I was only thing that makes his life worth living. While I know he is exaggerating and I exaggerate when I say I am great at what I do (psych/social rehab). That statement bothers the heck out me and makes me want to stop working with him. I have reconnected him with old friends, set up preferred activities, all of which he reports negative results when I am not there to facilitate. I even have some of his family coming to visit him. I have always worked with challenging people, but the excessive neediness is wearing me down. Any suggestions?

You’ve started the weaning process so I would preserve with that. He may eventually disengage, he may not. Not much you can do as there will always be ‘humpty’s’....those that need someone to put humpty dumpty back together again and make them whole.

It could be that your just burnt out. I know when I get to that point, everything pretty much bothers me, even the small things that I shouldnt sweat. Maybe a vacation or some time away from the office would be just the rejuvenation that you need. If it isn't that and your simply put off by this person that is super needy I think that may be the nature of the beast (when doing a job that deals with the public especially psych and social work) Maybe try to focus on the good things that you've done to help this person, maybe this person needs to hear someone be blunt with them. I dont really know the basis of your job and what you can and cannot do soo...sorry couldnt help more. I hope it gets better though!