If your therapist is late for a session, it's essential to communicate your feelings and concerns about the situation. Here are some suggestions on what you can say when addressing the issue:
Stay Calm and Patient: Start by remaining calm and patient. It's possible that there may have been an unforeseen circumstance causing the delay.
Express Your Feelings: When your therapist arrives, express how you feel about the situation in a non-confrontational manner. You can say something like, "I wanted to mention that I felt a bit anxious and uncertain when the session started late."
Seek Clarification: Politely inquire about the reason for the delay. You can ask, "Is everything alright? Was there a reason for the delay?"
Share the Impact: Let your therapist know how the lateness affected you or your thoughts leading up to the session. For example, "I had some time to think about my concerns, but it made me a bit anxious waiting for the session."
Discuss Boundaries: If applicable, discuss any expectations or agreements you had regarding session punctuality. For instance, if you had established a policy about how long you'd wait before considering a session canceled, you can mention it.
Open Communication: Encourage open communication about punctuality moving forward. You can say, "I believe it's important for both of us to be on time for our sessions. If there are any changes to our schedule, please let me know in advance."
Listen to Their Explanation: Give your therapist a chance to explain the situation and apologize if necessary. They might have a valid reason for the lateness, and it's important to listen and understand their perspective.
Collaborate on Solutions: If lateness becomes a recurring issue, discuss potential solutions together. You could brainstorm ideas on how to minimize scheduling conflicts or ways to handle unforeseen delays.
Remember that therapists, like everyone else, are human and can encounter unexpected circumstances that may lead to lateness. However, it's essential to establish clear communication and boundaries in the therapeutic relationship to ensure that both you and your therapist are committed to making the most of each session.