The Dreaded End-of-year Three Week Break

[Britt.f7]

Well this ended up being more then a three week break for me. My therapist went on Medical leave right after Thanksgiving. I hadn't been able to see her the two weeks prior to that(saw her weekly until then). They didn't know when she would be back so they scheduled me with another therapist. Unfortunately she didn't have an appointment available until tomorrow, the 21st.

I was thinking of changing my original therapist, but this was definitely a long wait in between therapy visits and I am feeling it. Now I have to go through the getting to know you stage all over again, before we can really get into therapy. I truly hope this works.

My last therapist is now back so I felt a bit guilty for keeping the appointment with the new therapist. But this is for me, about me, right? Ugh.

 

[Hashi]

Britt, that's a long, long gap.

I really hope it goes OK and you like the therapist.

 

[Pencil]

But this is for me, about me, right?

Right!

 

[Abstract]

Britt,
Ten weeks is a very a long time.

Yes, this is for you. Your therapist is an adult and this has to be about your welfare. There is zero to feel guilty about.

I don't know if I am getting it wrong but have this feeling you weren't sure of the last T. ? This may turn out to be a blessing. And remember if this one doesn't feel like a good fit then you can look elsewhere.

Do you have an idea of what you want and don't want? It may help to keep it in mind.

Lots of luck! Starting is never easy but maybe it will bring much healing and progress.

 

[Abstract]

I hope everyone else is back and all taken care of.

 

[Britt.f7]

I don't know if I am getting it wrong but have this feeling you weren't sure of the last T. ? This may turn out to be a blessing. And remember if this one doesn't feel like a good fit then you can look elsewhere. Do you have an idea of what you want and don't want? It may help to keep it in mind.

No, I wasn't sure of her. She was nice enough but I didn't feel like we were getting anywhere. I was thinking it might be a blessing in disguise too. I talked to both the receptionist and the nurse practitioner about it. They were both supportive. They encouraged me to go ahead and try someone new if I didn't feel like it was working out. That the therapists understand and what is important is the fit.

Thank you for the support. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Abstract]

That sounds really promising Britt. I hope this works better. Do you have an idea why you were not getting anywhere with her?

 

[Britt.f7]

I don't think we really talk. I think she was waiting for my medications to help. In the meantime we missed out on things we could have covered. While waiting we talked mostly about inconsequential things. She's also a hugger. Which I could have stopped, I know. I hope this new one isn't a hugger. I think I'm gonna get that right out in the open from the beginning. I'm not the touchy feely type.

Even though I wanted someone who understood chronic illness, she commiserated with me. Which is all fine and good but that didn't help me understand or figure out what to do. Does this make sense? We really never worked on any problems. I did finally ask her what our goal was, but we weren't really working toward it.

I need more concrete ideas of coping, of getting beyond this. I can hypothesize on my own. I need someone to help me work through things, guide me at times. Otherwise I could do this all on my own.

I hope I don't sound selfish.

 

[piratelady]

The things you spoke about above are very important in a therapeutic relationship and in no way selfish. If all you do is talk about things that are inconsequential and she comiserates with you, it's not going to help you much in the long run. A therapist must also challenge us and help us reach whatever goals are set.

I hope this new person works out for you :).

 

[Britt.f7]

Thank you Piratelady. I hope so too.

 

[Abstract]

Britt,
You sound as far from selfish as you can get.

Does this clinic deal with trauma particularly? It might also be worthwhile considering if what help you have had in the past and what gaps you have in treatment. And if something has worked in the past and you need more of it.

I am remembering more about your discussions about your T now and have to say she does not sound professional at all. Even the hugging is not usual behaviour at all and is a bit boundary crossing in flavour. As is some of the other stuff. I am glad you are changing.

If this T does not do skills training she may be able to refer you out for the parts she does not deal with. If you find she is suitable in general. Maybe she will have all you need though.

Did you do exposure therapy for all your traumas in the past when you had PTSD treatment?

 

[Hashi]

Hope you won't mind if I put my Thread Monitor badge on and ask for the thread to be kept on the topic of breaks from therapy. :)

Not least because I think, Britt, your thoughts about old and new therapists deserves its own thread, hopefully to help you and also maybe other people too, who wouldn't see it under this thread title. Starting with a new therapist is always a big thing, and changing over from a different one can add to that. I'm thinking of you today and sending good wishes in your direction.

Also still thinking of anyone still on a break, but hopefully with not too much longer to go now...