Therapist Left Me Hanging...

[jadebear]

Yesterday towards the end of my session, I started talking about a major trauma. As I was talking, I was told "our time is up". He told me I should journal about it and sent me on my way.

I was having a rough time, had started to dissociate, felt like I was about to leave my body and then 'time was up'. I was upset, but didn't say anything, and I sat out in the waiting room until I felt grounded enough to be able to drive( I have learned from a past experience to not drive when I'm dissociating).

Today I feel even more upset that he just left me hanging like that. He's never done that before. It almost feels like I was abandoned. I don't why he did that to me. I feel hurt and like he doesn't care.

I don't expect him to cater to me, I realize he has a business to run. And I know I shouldn't have waited so late in the session to start talking about something major, but still, I don't think it was right for him to do what he did.

Anyone else have this happen? If so, did you discuss it with your T, or let it go? Are there reasons they would do this(besides time reasons)? Is there a specific purpose? Or was he just wrong in doing that?

 

[pi314159]

I'm so sorry he did that to you. I'm sure the only reason he did it was the time issue. If you can, I would let him know that he let you down. I hope you're ok.

 

[jadebear]

Thanks pi. I'm fine. I'm just a little upset that he did that.

Now I'm left to sort out all these thoughts/emotions for myself without his help.

Maybe it's a good thing though. Maybe I need to do that more anyway.

 

[cherryblossom]

I think your T should have planned things better. He should be fully aware of how much time is left of your session, so that you are good and grounded at the end. He should have stopped you 10 minutes before the end, to briefly discuss what had been said, and make sure you weren't disassociating, and how to deal over the next few hours/days. Just my opinion. My T has a 15 minute break between clients, which gives scope for a short over run if necessary - to ensure I'm grounded and good to go.

Equally, they're all only human, and perhaps he lost track of time too, or having a bad day. Like you said, he's never done that before. But certainly let him know how it left you feeling, even if it's just to make sure it doesn't happen again. Perhaps you could ask him to warn you, that time is running out (say 10 minutes from the end), rather than waiting until time is up.

 

[kimba]

I agree that maybe he didn't notice because of something he is dealing with- whatever it is. We all have bad days so I would mention to him at the beginning of the next session that he disappointed and upset you. When he asks why explain it was because he didn't notice your state of mind but thankfully you knew what to do. Then suggest that he help you out by reminding you etc.

 

[jadebear]

I think I'm just gonna let it slide and not say anything to him about it. This was the first time it has happened, maybe it won't again. If it does, I will be sure to speak up.

I think I did pretty good for being left hanging like that. I had a rough couple of days, but got over it pretty quickly.

 

[cherryblossom]

I think I did pretty good for being left hanging like that. I had a rough couple of days, but got over it pretty quickly.

Well done :applause: