If you miss your appointment with your therapist and don't call them or reschedule, the consequences or policies may vary depending on the therapist and their practice. Here are some common scenarios that may happen:
Therapist's Cancellation Policy: Many therapists have a cancellation policy that outlines the terms for missed appointments. This policy often includes details about the required notice for cancellations, potential fees for no-shows, and the therapist's expectations regarding communication. If you miss an appointment without prior notice, you may be charged a fee according to their policy.
Follow-Up from the Therapist: Some therapists may reach out to check on your well-being if you miss an appointment without notice. They might send an email or leave a voicemail to inquire about the reason for the absence and to reschedule the session.
Termination of Therapy: If you consistently miss appointments without communication and it becomes challenging to maintain a therapeutic relationship, the therapist might decide to terminate the therapy. Therapeutic progress relies on consistent engagement, and missing sessions without proper communication can hinder the therapeutic process.
Discussing the Issue in the Next Session: If you do return for a subsequent session, your therapist is likely to discuss the missed appointment and the reasons behind it. This conversation can be an opportunity to explore any underlying issues that may have contributed to the missed session and discuss strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Remember that open communication is essential in the therapeutic relationship. If you have missed an appointment and want to continue therapy, reach out to your therapist as soon as possible to explain the situation and reschedule. If there was a specific reason for missing the appointment, discuss it during the next session to ensure that you and your therapist can work together effectively to address any challenges that may arise during the therapeutic process.