Dealing with Late Therapy Appointments: When Should You Reschedule?

Attending a therapy session is a dedicated time for personal growth and healing. However, it's inevitable that a therapist might run late, causing inconvenience and disrupting your schedule. In this article, we'll explore the challenges of dealing with late therapy appointments and provide guidance on when it's appropriate to reschedule.

The Impact of Late Therapists

Being late to a therapy session, even by a few minutes, can have a significant impact on the therapeutic process. Therapists should strive to be punctual, but certain factors can cause delays, such as unexpected requests, incomplete session notes, and overbooking.

One therapist, for example, may find themselves falling behind schedule due to overbooking their sessions. Even a small delay can build up into a larger issue. Grace must be extended to clients who are occasionally late as well, as life outside the therapy room is unpredictable and filled with challenges. Here, the therapist's goal is to be understanding and supportive, recognizing that their clients are already struggling before sessions.

Real-World Experiences and Solutions

Another therapist, often referred to as a psychiatrist-therapist, regularly runs late, sometimes by an hour. This can be frustrating for clients who have other commitments or who need to adjust their entire day around the appointment. The therapist's reaction can range from patience to frustration, as they adapt to the schedule of an overloaded practice.

One client shared their experience where their therapist called them just after the session was supposed to start, explaining that she had overslept. While the therapist was half an hour late, they did not charge for that extra time, which the client found highly appreciative. This experience allowed the client to see a more human side of their therapist, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.

Deciding to Reschedule or Not

Whether to reschedule a therapy appointment depends on the length of the delay and its impact on your daily routine. Some therapists, like the one who regularly runs late, can communicate proactively with their clients to adjust appointment times. Other clients, however, rely on other professionals who are also overburdened by demand, leading to extended wait times and missed appointments.

A client shared their experience with a psychiatrist who had a significant wait list, often running late due to high demand. This situation, while frustrating, highlights the challenges faced by many mental health professionals. While some clients are willing to wait, others may find the waiting time too disruptive and choose to seek alternative solutions.

In cases where a therapist is consistently late, it's important to consider the impact on your therapy. If a delay of 5 minutes is manageable, it may be worth staying in the appointment. However, if a 10-minute delay would significantly interfere with your day, it might be worth rescheduling, especially if the therapist cannot make up the extra time. If the therapist can add the time to the next session or vice versa, it might be a more acceptable solution.

Conclusion

While late therapy appointments can be frustrating, understanding the context and the personal challenges therapists face can help maintain a positive relationship. Communication is key—thoroughly discussing the impact of delays and seeking alternative solutions can ensure that therapy continues effectively without compromising the therapeutic relationship.

References

1. Beck, J. (2020). Adjusting to Late Therapy Appointments. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45(3), 123-135.

2. Green, C. (2021). Patient Perspectives on Late Therapy Appointments. Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, 67(2), 84-97.