Dress down for counselling

My wardrobe of office attire is in danger of growing mildew. Often I tried to wear them when doing my practicum but found them not suitable. When I counsel students at the school, I try to dress less formal and a bit smart casual. Of late however, I find I have to dress down when counselling at the Family Service Centre. You can not expect your client to believe you when you say "I understand your hardship" and look resplendent in your expensive looking clothes and shoes ( see I am quite good at buying cheap stuff that looks expensive!).

I have a client that poured out her pain relating how her husband told her blatantly that "yes he is flirting with a KTV lounge waitress, bu ke yi ma? (cannot ha?)". So to avoid a nervous breakdown she is determined to put her child in childcare and look for a job. To do so however she needs about $1000+ comprising deposit, first month fee etc which she can't get from her husband. He objects to her working and enjoys the power over her helpless dependence on him. She puts me to shame with her quickness in numbers while I struggle to catch up. "All I need is $380" she declared whilst I was still struggling, counting the first month fees, uniform, books and assuming we got approval for installment payments etc, etc.

"My problem will be solved if I have $380", she slouched into the sofa and sighed. I looked at her, my mind twirling with thoughts.I could just give or lend her $380 but I can't do that. It is not appropriate and if I do that I will probably go down as the most popular counsellor with a long queue of clients. Mind you she was not asking for money from our FSC but came for counselling, distressed over her husband's infidelity.

That day after the session with her I went to collect a new pair of spectacles. Whilst making payment of $500 ( very reasonable pricing right? ) I can't help but feel a bit guilty because I don't really need another pair. Now it dawns on me why the government pays social workers and counsellors so poorly. It probably knows they will never be extravagant.