If your therapist cancels a session at the last minute due to a serious illness within her family or any other valid reason, it is natural to have a mix of thoughts and feelings. Here are some common reactions you might experience:
Understanding and Empathy: Upon learning about the serious illness within her family, you may feel understanding and empathy. Knowing that your therapist is facing a challenging situation outside of therapy can evoke compassion and concern for her well-being.
Disappointment: If you were looking forward to the session or had specific issues you wanted to discuss, you might feel disappointed about the cancellation, especially if it has disrupted your routine.
Concern for Therapist: In addition to empathy, you might feel concerned about your therapist's situation and hope for a positive outcome for her and her family.
Frustration or Irritation: Depending on the timing and frequency of cancellations, you might also feel frustrated or irritated, particularly if this has happened multiple times before. This reaction is valid, as therapy is an important commitment, and sudden cancellations can impact the therapeutic process.
Anger or Resentment: In some cases, you might experience feelings of anger or resentment, especially if you have been dealing with significant issues and feel that the cancellation disrupts your progress. However, if you are aware of the valid reason behind the cancellation, you may choose to temper or shelve these emotions, recognizing that the therapist is dealing with a difficult situation.
Appreciation for Honesty: If your therapist is open and honest about the reasons for the cancellation, you might feel a sense of appreciation for her transparency and integrity in sharing the information.
How this knowledge impacts your thinking in later sessions depends on several factors, such as the therapist's overall performance and how she handles the situation going forward. Here are some possible outcomes:
Increased Understanding: Knowing about the situation could lead to increased understanding and a deeper appreciation of your therapist's humanity. It can remind you that therapists, like everyone else, have personal lives and challenges.
Building Trust: Honest communication about the cancellation can help build trust in the therapeutic relationship. This transparency can demonstrate that your therapist values the relationship and is willing to be open with you.
Boundary Setting: If last-minute cancellations become a recurring issue, it might be an opportunity to discuss and establish clear boundaries regarding scheduling and cancellations.
Processing Emotions: If you had experienced anger or resentment initially, discussing these emotions with your therapist can be an essential part of the therapeutic process. It can provide insight into your reactions and how to manage them constructively.
Ultimately, the impact on your thinking in later sessions will depend on how both you and your therapist handle the situation. Open communication, understanding, and a willingness to work through any emotional responses can help maintain a positive therapeutic alliance.