I do not cancel lightly or often: an example of a rare case where I cancelled was because my daughter was unexpectedly home sick. I am her primary caretaker and don't have a last minute backup, nor would I want to leave her with someone if she was ill.

When I have to cancel, I inevitably reschedule for the same week.

I always offer to pay for missed sessions, regardless of the reason or timing.

I respect my therapist's time highly, and seem more concerned about it than she does, frankly.

If I offer to compensate her for the time and she declines... I do accept her decision appreciatively. I believe when we have a good working relationship grounded in mutual respect and consideration, this type of arrangement works just fine.

(P.S. I too was self employed from 2007-2011, and I know very well what it is like to deal with non-paying clients.)