Missing a Session? Let’s Talk About Staying Consistent in Therapy

So you missed a therapy appointment- it’s really not that bad, right? It’s okay, things come up! Whether it's a planned trip, illness, an unprecedented emergency, or even just outright forgetting, sometimes we miss a scheduled appointment. But it’s important to be consistent in therapy. Let’s explore the benefits of consistent therapy, tips on how to stay consistent, and possible consequences of missing appointments.

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Is Consistency Really Key?

There’s a reason therapy sessions are not a one time thing: regular attendance helps to establish momentum! Just as physical exercise requires consistency for tangible results, so does our mental health journey. Regular sessions help with strengthening coping strategies, exploring new thoughts or behaviors, and processing of events that may happen in between appointments. Consistency helps to make sure that issues are addressed when they are still relevant and prevents them from becoming overwhelming or unmanageable. 

Consistent sessions also help to develop and strengthen a strong therapeutic relationship, one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. When meeting with a new therapist, sometimes things can feel a bit awkward (it can be hard opening up to a stranger!) But overtime, as clients and therapists engage in frequent dialogue, they grow a deeper understanding of each other’s style, preferences, and challenges. This ultimately allows the opportunity to build on insights from previous sessions, dive deeper into difficult issues, and foster trust and safety within the alliance.

Additionally, consistency creates accountability. When clients commit to regular sessions, they are more likely to engage actively in their therapy and reflect on their progress and setbacks. Ongoing engagement fuels the therapeutic process by empowering clients to take ownership of their healing and reinforcing their overall motivation and commitment to change.

5 Tips to Staying Consistent

• Schedule Regular Appointments: Treat your therapy sessions like any other important appointment. Set a recurring schedule that you and your therapist agree upon and prioritize it in your schedule.
• Set Reminders: Choose a method that works best for you, whether it's your phone, your work calendar, a physical planner, or even a sticky note on the fridge! Many therapy practices also have automatic systems that send appointment reminders. Make sure to opt in to text/email reminders! It might even be a good idea to set an alert on your phone a day before your session to give yourself a reminder and a gentle nudge to prepare mentally.
• Establish a Routine: Incorporate therapy into a set routine. Pair your sessions with another regular activity, like going for a walk, eating lunch, or journaling about your session. Associating your sessions with something enjoyable can also help reinforce the idea that though therapy is work, it’s also about nurturing yourself. 
• Communicate With Your Therapist: If you’re feeling uncertain about your commitment to therapy or if you're facing challenges that might be interfering with your attendance, don’t hesitate to bring these up in session. Your therapist is an ally who is invested in supporting your well-being and who can help come up with a plan to make therapy work for you. 
• Reflect on Your Goals: Throughout your therapy journey, it's important to remind yourself of the reasons you started and the goals you want to achieve. It’s also important to recognize your achievements to help keep a strong motivation and commitment to growth.

Possible Consequences to Missing Scheduled Appointments

• Disruption in Care: Missing an appointment can interrupt the flow of therapy and make it harder to address ongoing issues. Each session builds on the last and gaps can lead to stagnation in progress.
• Effects on Therapeutic Relationship: Frequent late cancellations and no shows can affect the relationship between the client and therapist. Fostering a safe and trusting environment takes time and commitment to sessions.
• Late Cancellation and No-Show Fees: Same day cancellations or no shows may lead to larger fees than expected. While you might expect to be charged your regular copay for a missed appointment, many practices charge the price of an out-of-pocket session since a missed appointment cannot be billed to insurance.  It’s important to talk to your therapist to understand their cancellation policy in order to plan accordingly. If an emergency comes up, do not hesitate to be transparent with your therapist! 

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Sage Therapy Client Support:

For scheduling support and questions please email: support@sagetherapy.com

For billing support and questions please email: billing@sagetherapy.com

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References:

• Consistency is Key: Understanding the Importance of Therapy
• Why Is Consistency Important For Therapy?

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