Cynthia (Cindie) Henrie, MFT BCETS Misleading. Expects flexibility from clients but not from herself. Los Angeles California

Please know that for every therapist there is always someone who gets angry for some reason or another. Please use your best judgment if you are reading this. A therapist cannot legally comment on public criticism to protect their reputation because of confidentiality laws. I always provide each client with a detailed packet of my office policies and review them before beginning psychotherapy so you will know what to expect. I have over 20 years experience and this is the only ripoff report ever filed against me.

As a former client I would like to state that Cindie Henrie is a wonderful therapist. As far as charging clients for missed sessions, it is in her office policy that is signed during the first session, that she will charge for missed sessions that cannot be rescheduled. Everything is very professional and very straight forward, her policy is clear. I can state from experience that she will give a client every chance to make up a session before she will charge them.

I was very disheartened to read such a scathing report on Cindie Henrie. My experience was much different. I have been seeing Cindie in individual and group therapy sessions for over a year, and the layers are still peeling off. The camaraderie I feel in the group sessions is helping me get through being laid off of my job, job search, and starting a new job.

Cindie Henrie has been instrumental in transforming my life. Before I went to her, I was skeptical regarding therapists, but she immediately helped me feel at ease. My personal life, my professional life, and my intellectual life are more in sync than ever. Cindie is extremely knowledgeable, uses a variety of techniques, and is not judgmental. I really feel that she is 'on my side' which I need to do the work.

As are most therapists, she is strict about cancellations and payment. One thing that happens when facing one's demons is that one wants to avoid confrontation. The policy of charging for missed sessions is standard in therapy.

Cindie does go over the time occasionally, especially if there is a crisis, but she will give all following patients their correct amount of time. The 'therapy hour' is 50 minutes as the therapist must have time for a snack, use the restroom, walk around, stretch, and clear herself for the next patient. Cindie has occasionally stopped a few minutes early if a good ending becomes evident, but more often, she has gone into her break time to be sure the work is at a good stopping place. She has canceled because of sickness, but has allowed my cancellation when there is an unavoidable emergency. Her policy is that one reschedules within the week to make up the session. Her policies are all delineated in her website.

My July 2009 experiences (and some timeafter) I read the entry; my experience in July 2009 and time thereafter with Ms. Henrie was the exact opposite for similar circumstances:  Ms. Henrie was "up front" about no show appointments which the initial complaintant took issue with being charged for just not showing up...

I put a credit card on file with Ms. Henrie, knowing full well if I missed (especially if I was irresponsible in) keeping my appointments, I would be charged.

My experience:  I too have missed having an appointment when Ms. Henrie had  to cancel on short notice due to a family emergency.  I understood.

My experience:  I was never charged when I had to cancel same day due to illness; and I reasonably figured I would be charged as Ms. Henrie's business practice info (in July 2009) was honestly presented; but Ms. Henrie did not charge me. 

My experience:  I never expect nor would expect to not be charged if I did not keep my appointment for the complaintants "excuse" and reasons.  I do not expect Ms. Henrie to give away her time for free to me if my life business stuff interfere's with my keeping my therapy appointments, nor would I ever expect a "therapist to work around my schedule" meaning I schedule an appointment with you, cancel same day due to work complications...; nor would I expect any relationship with a therapsit, not even friend to survive the complaintant's committment policy or lack of consideration and demenaing expectations level; I would not be complaining about my contributory behavior publically. 

My experience:  I too was informed of CD recommendations, but never experienced any "sales" pitch nor felt compeleld to purchasel; and take no offense to recommendations.

My experience:  Therapists legally can provide the "45 minute" hour; My position:  Ms. Henrie, when she goes over 45 minutes actually is providing more therapy time then I (or anyone else) am actually, "legally" paying for.  (the "45 minute hour").  Amazingly, since my first appointment with Ms. Henrie in July 2009, there has always been a clock visible to the patient seat area.