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What do you do when your therapist tries to hold you in therapy against your will?

At the beginning of my therapy hour today I told my therapist I wanted to see her just once a week. I have been seeing her twice a week till now. She said nothing.

At the end of the hour, I said, “I will be seeing you once a week. I won’t be here Thursday.” She said, “Well, I’ll be here. I’ll be waiting for you whether you are here or not. That hour is reserved for you.” I said, “But I want to see you once a week.” She said, “Whether you are here or not I will be here waiting.” I said, “I’m afraid that if I don’t show up you will bill me.” She said, “You’re trying to make it about the money.” Not wanting to get billed for the hour, I said I would be there on Thursday. She is forcing me to see her. It’s as if she’s holding me as a prisoner. Is this professional behavior? Is this ethical behavior for a professional person.

I came a cross a web site that lists red flags to look out for with therapists. One of them is “Counselor tries to keep you in therapy against your will.” That’s exactly what she’s doing. Tell me that’s ethical or professional behavior.

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Pherick · 41-45, M
She cannot bill you for time you didn't spend with her. Does she have a secretary? If so, make sure the appointment is cancelled, if not, confirm with her, you won't be there on Thursday and you won't be billed.

Its a statement, not a question make sure it comes across like that.

Also find a new therapist.
@Pherick [b]She can bill me for time I don't see her. [/b] She made me sign a contract before I started therapy. One of the terms of the contract is that she gets her money regardless of whether I see her or not. I think she's a sleazeball.
Pherick · 41-45, M
@flipper1966 I would be interested to see that contract language. There can be stipulations that if you had an appointment but didn't show, you can be charged a fee or even for the visit, but if you cancel the appointment, there is no way she can bill you.
@Pherick That's what the contract says.
Pherick · 41-45, M
@flipper1966 So by signing this contract you become her client for life? That contract sounds completely unenforceable. Stop seeing her, if she has your CC on file, report it lost, have the account # changed and walk away from her. Anyone who has a contract like that sounds toxic.
@Pherick Yes. She has my credit cared number. I'm not her client for life. The contract is only in force while I am seeing her. Keep in mind I do not want to terminate her. I simply want to cut back my sessions from two to one per week. And she is strongly resisting me from cutting back to one session per week.

Though her current behavior is kind of persuading me to stop seeing her altogether.