Really - it has not been the experience I have had with my therapist... and at one time I was seeing her 4x week. (my only experience with someone doing psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy)

As far as I understand psychoanalysis is done with very frequent sessions 3-5x week. And psychoanalytic psychotherapy at 2-3x per week.

At 1 x a week, it shouldn't be a big deal for you to take a break without having to pay to hold your spot. Though, it is a business and he has every right to make his rules. That being said, IMO the way he is handling it is very manipulative and seems like a major red flag to me.