Paying for missed sessions

[Jenny]

What are your views/practises when it comes to paying for missed sessions?

Personally I used to have to give 48 hours notice before cancelling an appointment and then i wouldn't have to pay for the missed session. I thought this was fair enough as my therapist had a living to make too.

One time i cancelled a session on a Friday evening as i thought i couldn't make it, then first thing on the Monday morning i called her to say that actually i could - but she'd already rearranged! My logical mind says she was well within her right and it was ok, but my child in me felt replacable.

I've heard some therapists charge for all sessions even when the client is able to give 2 weeks+ notice. I think psychodynamic therapy works more on this basis - leaving the emotional space weekly for the client to carry on 'work' and feel 'held' even if not able to physically be there. To know that there is no one else in their chair!

I see the benefits of both.. i'd like to know no one else is in my chair in my time, but i'd also not like to pay for the privilege!

[Old Wolf]

As a counsellor in private practice I charge for missed appointments (full fee = less than 48hrs. 1/2 fee = 48hrs - 1week. no fee = over 1 weeks notice). The reason for this is quite simple. When a client decides to start therapy they are allocated a "slot" at the same time and day each week. This in turn means two things a)that slot is "theirs" each and every week barring any planned absences and b) I cannot give someone else that slot because they need an ongoing slot of their own. The outcome of a missed appointment is that the things like room hire charges, or at least that proportion of them, are not covered. Similarily (sp?) other fixed costs. Unfortunately, this sounds very mercenary but withuot covering such costs I couldn't be there for anyone. Such is life. On the point of knowing "that there is no one else in their chair!" - I think this is perhaps more important for many than is widely recognised - i.e not only am I without my therapist but he is also without me and in that fact there is still the therapeutic relationship present.