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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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cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
She wants the steady business. Doesn’t seem ethical to me. Look for someone else, I don’t know how you would go about looking for someone who doesn’t do the same thing though.
@cherokeepatti From what I can see there's a lot of chicanery in the therapy business. And, believe me, it's a business.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
@flipper1966 Yes it’s a money-maker, how long is the contract for?
@cherokeepatti For the duration of my therapy.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
@flipper1966 so no set time?
@cherokeepatti Could go on forever! The contract covers the time I am with her. So if I quit therapy, that ends the contract term.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
@flipper1966 I’d quit and find someone with references and not sign a contract.