This is why I LOVE this place! It really shows me how we all think sooooooo differently. I went therapist searching for over nine months. I'd book a "consult" session (by phone or email) and stated specifically in making the appointment that I wanted to meet to see if we both felt that we could form a therapeutic connection. Everyone I contacted was open to this kind of open ended arrangement. I had a few therapists state that they liked to offer one 30 minute session free of charge as a consultative session. Most of the others offered a "regular" session at their "usual" fee with the understanding that we were simply exploring whether or not we wanted to work together. A few actually charged MORE for a "regular" 50 minute session for a first time client. I felt that was a bit of a scam on their part, but who am I to complain. I wasn't a real fan of the free 30 minute sessions because I personally need more time to figure out if I wanted to make another appointment . . . . although a few were so bad I could have left after 10 minutes knowing that they were crackpots. Once I even offered to pay the regular price so I could have the full 50 minutes but the therapist stated that she only did free 30 minute consults with new clients.

In any case, I do think it is our responsibility, the client's, to find out what the charge is for a service we are contracting for. It's one of the reasons I like making contact through email--it's all written down. Personally, I'd pay the bill and move on. You should also feel good about your instincts because you had a niggle of doubt about this woman and this proves that she wasn't the right therapist for you. Sorry about the unexpected bill--hate when that happens!