Episode
The Cancellation Policy You Don't Use (And Why You're Leaving $20K on the Table)
- Published
- Jan 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1817
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Summary
Most therapists have a cancellation policy they never enforce. Dr Brooklyn Storme, an evidence-based private practice business coach for counsellors, psychologists and social workers, breaks down the real cost of weak boundaries and why guilt stops you from protecting your income. Learn how cancellation policies actually strengthen therapeutic relationships, the data on revenue loss, and what changes when you shift from therapist-only to therapist-AND-business-owner identity. Real case studies from Australian private practices. Resources mentioned: Free Private Practice Assessment: https://brooklyn.myflodesk.com/pmquiz Free Resources: https://brooklynstorme.com/resources Practice Momentum™ Info: https://brooklynstorme.com/practice-momentum%E2%84%A2 Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooklynstormephd FAQ 1: "What if my client genuinely had an emergency? Isn't it heartless to charge them?" This is where you're confusing compassion with boundary collapse. You can be compassionate AND use the policy. It's not your job to assess the validity of their reason. That's the point of having a policy in writing that they signed. The policy applies regardless of the reason. You can say: 'I understand that was difficult. The cancellation fee still applies as per our agreement.' You're acknowledging their experience AND holding the boundary. Both/and. Not either/or. If you start making exceptions, you're the one deciding whose emergency is 'real enough,' and that IS judgement. FAQ 2: "Won't clients just leave and find a therapist who doesn't enforce cancellation fees?" Some might. The data shows 1-2% leave when you start enforcing. But here's what you're not considering: do you want clients who only stay because you don't have boundaries? Those clients don't respect the t…