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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SW-User
If she has tied you to a contract that doesn't allow you to leave or make appointment arrangements that work for you both, what she's doing is highly unethical, unless your session shave been mandated by a court.
I don't know the seriousness of your therapy needs but, I would contact the state board she's licensed through. You can find out the board info by running an online search of her name. Then call them and ask for help.
I would also send her an email now telling her you are confirming in writing, what you told her during your session, you are canceling Thursday sessions, you only want to meet once a week, and you will not be held financially liable for sessions she refuses to cancel. You can also tell her if she doesn't comply, you no longer require her services, you will find someone else, and you will report her to the licensing board.
Tbh, at this point, you're probably better off getting rid of her, finding a new therapist, and filing a complaint against her. Unless your sessions are mandated by a court, or you have some severe issues that requires her to do what she's doing (might harm yourself or others), on the surface what she appears to be doing is holding you hostage.
