It's understandable that receiving a text about a change in your therapy day and time without prior discussion might be stressful and surprising. While therapists do have the authority to make scheduling changes in certain circumstances, it's generally considered good practice to communicate and discuss these changes with the client beforehand, if possible.
Here are some reasons why a therapist might change the day and time of a session and how they should ideally handle the situation:
Scheduling conflicts: Therapists, like anyone else, may have unexpected scheduling conflicts that arise due to personal or professional reasons. In such cases, they should make an effort to discuss the change with the client as soon as possible and offer alternative options for rescheduling.
Boundary and therapeutic reasons: In some instances, a therapist might identify a need to change the session day or time for therapeutic reasons, such as accommodating the client's needs or improving treatment effectiveness. However, in such cases, it's essential for the therapist to explain the reasons for the change and check with the client if the new schedule works for them.
Mistakes or miscommunications: Sometimes, scheduling changes might occur due to administrative errors or miscommunications. In such cases, the therapist should promptly apologize for any inconvenience caused and work together with the client to find a suitable solution.
Regardless of the reason for the change, open communication between the therapist and the client is vital. Ideally, the therapist should have discussed the change with you, explaining the reasons behind it and seeking your input on the matter. If you feel uncomfortable with the new schedule or have concerns about the change, it's essential to express your feelings during a session.
You have the right to be involved in decisions that directly affect your therapy, including scheduling changes. It's always beneficial to have a transparent and collaborative therapeutic relationship where both you and your therapist can work together to address any concerns or issues that arise. If you're unsure about the change or want more clarity, don't hesitate to talk to your therapist about how you feel during your next session.