Therapist always 5 mins late.

I think it's a bigger issue, too, but I also don't think too many people would be feeling warm and cosy towards a therapist who consistently leaves them waiting, doesn't give them their full 45 minutes, and can't even seem to manage an apology or a reason for that behavior.

Consistently cutting someone's appt. short is probably going to erode their trust, so while Acceptance may have a lot of things that need to be discussed, until the issues about lateness and short sessions and insensitivity get worked out, I wouldn't think she'd be eager to talk to this therapist about them.

I do believe that no matter what the reason is for being late or the amount of lateness a good, well-trained therapist needs to apologize. I do get it that therapists are busy and are often thrown a curve ball in session which causes them to have to take a little time to "close things down" and move onto the next client. BUT one of the most important things about therapy, IMHO, is a therapist who demonstrates consistency and the ability to model respectful and empathetic treatment of each and every client. That means being consistently on time (both with starting and ending sessions) and apologizing when they aren't able to fulfill their part of the therapy contract (starting on time).

The OP mentioned that this is a consistent occurrence in her therapy. For whatever reason, her therapist is NOT sticking to the agreed upon contract--a regular 50 minute session. A few shortened or lengthened sessions are understandable but I too would be ticked if it was consistently shortened. As another poster mentioned, it adds up! But you really do need to talk to him about this, acceptance. Like us, he can't correct his behavior if he doesn't recognize he's doing it. You might be surprised how relieved you'll feel after addressing this issue.

PS. Your username is interesting when considering this whole issue.

Our couples counselor is consistently 10-15 minutes late receiving us. My partner gets irritated by this but I can see that she's usually helping someone else right before us. She's always walking others out as she comes to get us. Plus she always spends a little extra time with us, sometimes still advising as she runs our card, so we always get a full hour.

Thanks everyone for the replies and different perspectives.

I wouldnt have had a problem with this issue :
a) if the missed time was made up on same day or added on to later sessions
b) if he fully acknowledged the situation. rather than just oh opps i am sorry...and then continue like it was nothing. i felt like a nobody...if he had just said a few sentences in regards...it would have helped plenty. and i wouldnt have felt like i was swept under the rug.

Edited to add: maybe i have bigger issues here to work on..i dont know...maybe it is as simple as what i felt..or something deeper.

That depends. If he is keeping you 5-6mins extra, then I wouldn't mind.

I do understand though. I mean, I am always on time (or early) so how hard can it be for others to stick to the time they set? Yet, I have not come across many people who are on time... Or follow through what they say :/

But would it be worth severing a fruitful relationship with a T? Nope. So again, it depends on how you feel you work with him as well.