Therapy can provide enormous benefits for those struggling with mental health issues or going through challenging life events.
However, even those who recognize the value of therapy may fail to attend scheduled sessions. Understanding the common barriers can help therapists support clients in regularly attending appointments.
Practical Obstacles Get in the Way
Life gets busy, making it hard to keep therapy sessions, especially if they require traveling to an office.
Scheduling Conflicts
Work schedules, childcare issues, or other commitments may clash with standing therapy appointments.
People juggle many responsibilities, and therapy may end up low on the priority list.
Lack of Transportation
Some clients rely on public transportation or others for rides.
Transportation breakdowns can impede making sessions, especially if the therapy office is not nearby.
Reminder and Tracking Failures
Despite good intentions, people forget appointments without reminders. If therapists don’t confirm upcoming sessions, clients may inadvertently miss them.
Emotional Barriers Create Resistance
Even when practical barriers don’t exist, emotional reasons may hinder session attendance. Therapy brings up difficult feelings.
Anxiety and Discomfort
Talking about emotions provokes anxiety for many. The thought of scheduled sessions may trigger panicking or avoidance.
Lack of Connection
The therapeutic relationship is vital. Clients may resist attending if they don’t have a good rapport with their counselor.
Perceived Lack of Progress
Clients who feel therapy is not helping may stop attending whether it’s online or in-office sessions, even if the therapist sees benefits.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Scheduling conflicts | Work, childcare, other commitments get in the way |
| Lack of transportation | No reliable way to get to therapy office |
| Forgetting appointments | Without reminders, sessions get missed |
| Anxiety about therapy | Discussing issues causes emotional distress |
| Poor connection with therapist | Judgment or criticism from therapist deters attendance |
| Not seeing progress | Client frustration if therapy seems unhelpful |
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Therapists Can Remove Barriers
Therapists have options to help clients overcome obstacles to attending:
Offer Flexible Scheduling
Accommodate clients’ schedules whenever possible, including evenings and weekends. Provide remote options via teletherapy to eliminate transportation problems.
Send Session Reminders
Give clients email or text reminders about upcoming appointments. Automated systems can help, but personal confirmations show the care.
Check In Around Resistance
Ask directly if anything makes clients hesitant about therapy. Discussing barriers promotes solutions. If progress lags, explore different approaches.
Convey Unconditional Positive Regard
Clients will open up more if they feel completely accepted, not judged. Prioritize understanding over agreement.
Making therapy work around clients’ real lives and meeting them where they are emotionally can get attendance on track. The therapeutic relationship provides the foundation.
While clients must show up, therapists also play a role in breaking down barriers.
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