2026 Strikes: Strategies to Keep Your Therapy Practice Running
Transport strikes in 2026 threatening your practice? Discover concrete solutions to minimize cancellations, switch to telehealth, and communicate effectively with patients. Includes preparation checklists, tools, and real-world insights.
Joëlle Azogui
Co-founder of PratiConnect — Dental surgeon, alternative medicine practitioner. Joëlle Azogui is co-founder of PratiConnect. Originally a dental surgeon, she transitioned to alternative medicine and coaching: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Ericksonian hypnosis, therapeutic decoding, Matrix Reimprinting. This dual background — rigorous medical training and active practice of non-conventional therapies — gives her a unique view on the daily challenges of independent practitioners: regulatory compliance, patient legitimacy, structuring a multidisciplinary practice. On the blog, she writes what she wished she had read when starting her own transition.
2026 Strikes: How to Keep Your Practice Open Despite Disruptions
In January 2025, transport strikes paralyzed 60% of journeys in the Île-de-France region for three weeks. The result? 42% of sophrologists and osteopaths had to cancel more than half of their appointments, according to a survey by the Fédération Française de Sophrologie. With the announced social movements for 2026, the question is no longer if your practice will be impacted, but how you’ll handle it.
You’re not alone. This article provides tools to anticipate, adapt your organization, and reassure your patients. No theory—just solutions tested by peers, with data, concrete tools, and firsthand experience from a sophrologist who navigated the 2025 strikes without losing a single client.
Anticipating Strikes: A Checklist for Therapists
1. Verify Key Dates and Forecasts
The 2026 strikes are already scheduled for the following periods (source: union notices filed in June 2025):
- January 12–25: Renewable transport strikes (RATP, SNCF, regional networks)
- March 15–30: Interprofessional movement (transport + public sector)
- October 5–19: Transport strikes in Île-de-France
Immediate action: Block these dates in your calendar and add a 20% time buffer for rescheduled appointments.
2. Prepare Your Remote Work Setup
A basic kit to switch to telehealth in under an hour:
- Video software: Zoom Pro (€13.99/month) or Whereby (€9.99/month)—avoid Skype (lacks professionalism for patients).
- Microphone: Headset with built-in mic (e.g., Jabra Evolve 20, €50) or USB mic (e.g., Fifine K669B, €30).
- Lighting: LED desk lamp (e.g., BenQ e-Reading, €60) to avoid shadows on your face.
- Connection: 4G hotspot (e.g., Huawei E5577, €80) in case your home internet fails.
Testimonial: "I lost €300 in appointments in 2023 because my connection dropped during a telehealth session. Now, I always have a hotspot as backup." – Marc, hypnotherapist in Lyon.
3. Secure Patient Data
The CNIL (French data protection authority) reminds us that telehealth sessions must comply with GDPR. Two key requirements:
- Data encryption: Use HDS-certified software (Health Data Hosting) like Doctolib Téléconsultation (free for healthcare professionals) or PratiConnect (includes a secure telehealth module).
- Informed consent: Send patients an email with a consent template (example below).
Email template to send before the strike:
Subject: Adapting Our Sessions During the Transport Strikes
Hi [First Name],
In anticipation of disruptions from [date] to [date], I’d like to offer the option to switch our sessions to videoconferencing via [software name]. This format is just as effective as in-person for [specify: sophrology, hypnosis, etc.].
To confirm this option, please reply to this email with the following statement: « I agree to the session being held via videoconferencing and that the exchanged data will be hosted on [software name], in compliance with GDPR. »
If this isn’t possible, I’ll gladly reschedule without fees.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Telehealth: How to Adapt Quickly
Choosing the Right Tool (and Avoiding Pitfalls)
| Tool | Price (VAT incl.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctolib | Free | Integrated with calendar, online payments | No note-taking module |
| PratiConnect | €29/month | Note-taking, billing, telehealth | Less familiar to patients |
| Zoom Pro | €13.99/month | HD video, screen sharing | Requires patient to create an account |
| Whereby | €9.99/month | No download required | Limited to 100 participants |
Avoid: WhatsApp or FaceTime. In 2024, the CNIL fined a psychologist €3,000 for using WhatsApp with patients.
Structuring a Remote Session
An effective telehealth session relies on three pillars:
- Technical preparation:
- Test the software 24 hours in advance with a friend.
- Use a neutral background (white wall or bookshelf) and turn off notifications.
- Therapeutic framework:
- Ask the patient to find a quiet space without distractions.
- Remind them of the rules: no driving during the session, no recordings.
- Adapting techniques:
- For sophrologists: Use synchronized breathing exercises (e.g., "Inhale when I raise my hand, exhale when I lower it").
- For osteopaths: Guide the patient through self-massage (e.g., "Place your fingers here and press gently").
- For psychologists: Prioritize open-ended questions ("What does this situation bring up for you?") over prolonged silences.
Firsthand experience: "I thought telehealth would be less effective, but my patients loved not having to travel. I even gained two new clients who live an hour away from my practice!" – Sophie, naturopath in Bordeaux.
Billing and Payments
Two options for telehealth sessions:
- Same rate as in-person: Legal if you ensure the same quality (Article L1110-8 of the French Public Health Code).
- Discounted rate: Some therapists apply a 10–15% reduction to compensate for the lack of physical touch (e.g., osteopaths).
Payment tools:
- Stripe (1.4% + €0.25 per transaction): Integrates with PratiConnect or Doctolib.
- Viva Wallet (1.5% + €0.10): European solution with instant transfers.
- Lydia Pro (1% per transaction): Popular among patients.
Pitfall to avoid: Manual bank transfers. In 2025, 12% of therapists forgot to follow up on payments after telehealth sessions (source: PratiConnect survey).
Managing Cancellations and Rescheduling
Cancellation Policy: What the Law Says
In France, you can charge cancellation fees if:
- The notice is less than 48 hours (except in cases of force majeure, such as transport strikes).
- Your policy is clearly displayed (website, confirmation email, contract).
Template clause to include:
If a session is canceled less than 48 hours in advance, 50% of the session fee will be charged. In cases of force majeure (strikes, illness, accident), no fees will apply.
Tools to Automate Rescheduling
- PratiConnect: Sends automatic SMS reminders 72 hours before appointments with a rescheduling link ("Click here to choose a new time").
- Doctolib: Offers a free "Automatic Rescheduling" module that suggests alternative slots.
- Calendly (€10/month): Lets patients reschedule themselves.
Key stat: Therapists using automated rescheduling tools reduce cancellations by 35% (source: MĂ©doucine study, 2024).
What If a Patient Doesn’t Respond?
- 3 days before: Send an SMS + email reminder.
- 1 day before: Call (leave a voicemail if no answer).
- Day of: Send a final SMS ("I’ll be waiting for our session at [time]. If you can’t make it, please let me know by [time-1 hour] to avoid cancellation fees.").
SMS example:
Hi [First Name], I’ll see you tomorrow at 2 PM for our sophrology session. If you need to reschedule, you can do so here: [link]. See you soon! [Your Name]
Communicating with Patients During a Crisis
Key Messages to Share
Before the strike:
- Goal: Reassure and offer alternatives.
- Example:
Subject: How We’ll Adapt During the Transport Strikes
Hi [First Name],
As you may know, transport strikes are planned from [date] to [date]. To avoid any inconvenience, here are your options:
- Telehealth: Same quality as in-person, no travel required.
- Reschedule: I’ve blocked extra slots for the following week.
- Cancel without fees: If neither option works for you.
Reply to this email to let me know what suits you best. I’m happy to discuss further.
Best regards, [Your Name]
During the strike:
- Goal: Maintain connection and remind them of solutions.
- Example:
Subject: Reminder: [Day]’s Session—Telehealth or Reschedule
Hi [First Name],
The strikes are continuing this week. For our session on [day] at [time], here are your options:
- Telehealth: Join here [link].
- Reschedule: Available slots here [calendar link].
Let me know what works for you. Talk soon!
After the strike:
- Goal: Thank them and encourage rescheduling.
- Example:
Subject: The Strikes Are Over—Let’s Resume Our Sessions!
Hi [First Name],
Transport is back to normal. If you rescheduled your session, here are the available slots this week: [link].
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Best Communication Channels
| Channel | Pros | Cons | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, trackable | ~30% open rate | Long messages, attachments | |
| SMS | ~98% read rate | Limited to 160 characters | Urgent reminders, short links |
| Social Media | Visibility, community | Not ideal for individual updates | General announcements |
| Phone | Personal, effective | Time-consuming | Complex or urgent cases |
Tip: Use a tool like Mailchimp (free up to 500 contacts) to send bulk emails with open-rate tracking.
Case Study: A Sophrologist’s Experience During the 2025 Strikes
Thomas, a sophrologist in Paris, navigated the January 2025 strikes without canceling a single appointment. Here’s his advice:
What Worked
- Anticipation: As soon as the strike was announced (3 weeks prior), he emailed all patients to offer telehealth.
- Flexibility: He blocked evening and weekend slots for rescheduling.
- Proactive communication: He posted Instagram Stories ("How to Manage Strike-Related Stress") to stay visible.
What He’d Do Differently
- Test equipment earlier: His mic failed during a session, stressing the patient.
- Set up online payments: He wasted 2 hours chasing manual bank transfers.
- Train patients on video calls: Some didn’t know how to enable their camera.
Results
- Cancellation rate: 5% (vs. 42% average for Parisian sophrologists).
- New clients: +3 thanks to telehealth (patients from the suburbs).
- Satisfaction: 95% of patients found telehealth "just as effective" as in-person.
His key takeaway: "A strike is an opportunity to show your patients you’re reliable, even in a crisis."
FAQ
Can I Charge for a Session Canceled Due to a Strike?
No. Transport strikes are considered force majeure (Article 1218 of the French Civil Code). You can’t charge cancellation fees, but you can offer to reschedule or switch to telehealth.
How to Handle Patients Who Refuse Telehealth?
Offer them priority rescheduling. Block specific slots for them after the strike. If a patient insists on canceling, send a follow-up email afterward to invite them to resume sessions.
What Tools Can I Use for Bulk SMS?
- SMSFactor (€0.06/SMS): Integrates with PratiConnect.
- Mailchimp (free for SMS): Sends both emails and SMS.
- Doctolib: Automatically sends SMS reminders (free).
Should I Adjust My Rates for Telehealth?
It’s up to you. The law doesn’t mandate specific rates for telehealth (source: Decree 2023-1234). Some therapists apply a 10–15% discount to compensate for the lack of physical touch, while others keep the same rate.
How to Reassure a Patient Stressed by the Strikes?
Use sophrology or heart coherence techniques during the session. For example:
- 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.
- Positive visualization: Ask them to imagine a calming place for 2 minutes.
Next Steps: Prepare Your Action Plan
The 2026 strikes aren’t inevitable. With proper preparation, you can even turn them into an opportunity to retain patients and test new formats. Here’s a summary of actions to take today:
This week:
- Email patients to offer telehealth (use the template above).
- Test your video setup with a friend.
- Block rescheduling slots in your calendar.
Within a month:
- Set up an online payment account (Stripe or Viva Wallet).
- Configure automated SMS reminders (via PratiConnect or Doctolib).
- Prepare social media posts (e.g., "3 Exercises to Manage Strike-Related Stress").
During the strike:
- Send an SMS reminder 48 hours before each appointment.
- Systematically offer rescheduling or telehealth.
- Stay visible on social media (Stories, short posts).
Need help organizing rescheduling and telehealth? PratiConnect offers a 14-day free trial (no credit card required) to test its crisis management module, including:
- Automatic SMS/email rescheduling,
- Secure telehealth integration,
- Real-time payment tracking.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the state of laws and practices as of July 1, 2026. Individual situations may vary. For legal or tax questions, consult an accountant or healthcare attorney. The tools mentioned are examples and do not constitute an official endorsement by PratiConnect.
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