Question

As a therapist would you accept to stay 50 minutes after your day usually end to postpone a session with a client who arrived 10 minutes before the end of session, if this specific client struggles to be on time everywhere?

Answer 1

I can offer some guidance on this scenario.

In the field of therapy, maintaining boundaries and consistent scheduling is crucial for both the therapist and the client. Therapists often have other commitments, and their well-being and professional boundaries need to be respected as well. However, every situation is unique, and therapists might choose to handle this type of scenario differently based on their personal values, therapeutic approach, and the specific circumstances involved.

If a client frequently struggles to be on time everywhere and this becomes a recurring issue in therapy, it is essential for the therapist to address this behavior with the client in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. Exploring the reasons behind the lateness and discussing the impact on the therapeutic process can be beneficial.

Potential options for handling the situation could include:

1. Discussing the issue openly: The therapist and the client can have an open conversation about the challenges with punctuality and work together to find strategies to address it.

2. Reinforcing boundaries: Therapists may choose to maintain firm boundaries regarding session start and end times to ensure consistency and respect for their schedule and the other clients.

3. Exploring session adjustment: If the lateness is a recurring issue, the therapist may explore adjusting the session time to find a more suitable time for the client to reduce the likelihood of lateness.

4. Discussing the impact on progress: The therapist can help the client understand how consistent punctuality may affect the progress and effectiveness of the therapy process.

5. Referral: If the issue persists and significantly impacts the therapeutic relationship, the therapist may consider referring the client to another professional better equipped to handle such challenges.

Ultimately, the decision to stay late or make adjustments should be made thoughtfully and within the boundaries that the therapist believes are best for both the therapeutic relationship and their own well-being. Each therapist may handle this type of situation differently based on their own approach and the specific therapeutic context.