A PSYCHIATRIST MAY MAKE YOU WAIT AN HOUR OR TWO, DESPITE YOUR HAVING SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, MOST TALK THERAPIST TENDS TO BE ON TIME (in fact, if a talk therapist finishes early with a client, the therapist, often, will wait in order to start you on-time for your scheduled appointment, rather than start early with you).

The therapist is strictly setting and meeting expectations with respect to being on time (for you and the therapist). Clients typically understand that they have an exact amount of time with the talk therapist. The client will get the full time with the therapist by starting on time and ending on time. This is a form of operant conditioning.

Charles Tadros, M.D.

August 11, 2021

Saint Louis, Missouri