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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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Elisbch · M Best Comment
The contract should have been your 1st red flag
@Elisbch[i] I should have known from the beginning . . .[/i] I love the fact that at today's session she said, "You're trying to make it about the money" -- and at the same time she had me sign a contract so she could get her money!! Irony?
Elisbch · M
@flipper1966 thank you for best answer. Truly wasn't looking for that. Personally, it sounds entirely unethical and I would (if you can) get legal advice on how to get out of this. I would be tempted to report her to officials that govern this type of thing where ever you are. Board of psychiatry or something like that.