I get the bond you have obviously established with this therapist, and that is important! I have been seeking my current therapist for almost two years now. She is very compassionate and empathetic. She has recently suggested I do EMDR therapy, which she is not trained to do. I immediately thought she was trying to get rid of me. I was so upset when she suggested that. But we talked about it, and it turns out that she still wanted to work with me while I do the EMDR therapy with a trained EMDR therapist. That put things in a totally different light for me.
I'm telling you all this because although I just started seeing the EMDR therapist, it does sound to me like trauma work is best done in person. So, maybe you could continue working with your current therapist and find an EMDR therapist? I had to switch to every other week because I can't afford both of them every week. Maybe that could be an option for you as well?
My current therapist does encourage contact outside of session also, which I do not abuse at all, but which I have found to be quite helpful. However, I do not have her personal number. That would make me uncomfortable. Instead, I call the office and leave a message. After hours, her calls are forwarded to her cell.
I think your decision to stay with your current therapist is wise based on what you've posted here. But, perhaps you should also find an EMDR therapist. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.
