Three Weeks With Out Therapy

[Jnean]

Ugh, I have to go three weeks with out therapy when were finally getting somewhere because my T is out sick today and can't fit me in any sooner! Sorry I know everyone gets sick but three weeks total with out therapy really scares me, I'm afraid I will loose this streak of digging deeper with out my therapy. I left her a message letting her know just incase she can see me in sooner.

 

[Gadgie]

I only wish I could see a therapist again, I was dropped after only six months? So they say I'm back on the waiting list again, I suppose that will be another two years like I had to wait the last time?

 

[digger]

My T takes a week or two weeks out (so it ends up being two or three weeks between sessions) about every 6-8 weeks. I knew this from the start, but yeah, sometimes it can feel disruptive to the flow of whatever we're working on. I'm getting better though at looking on it as time to recharge and reflect a bit. Maybe if you give the time off some purpose it might help - example: you could use the time you would be in your session usually to maybe focus on what you feel you've got from therapy so far and where you want to go with it when you get back. Or are there things you feel you could safely spend some time working on by yourself until you get back? Working on things like grounding skills maybe?

 

[watundah]

Im out for six weels on vacation so while Ill be out having fun, we were also making good progress including that I * just * sent her the first 10 pages of my memoir and all of my trauma packed into that. While I know I'll be busy, Ill miss her. She invited me to email her and send photos so that made me feel better.
We talked about how to address the outage. I told her I wanted to keep working while gone so we discussed some options.
Did you get that oportunity? While the situation is a bit different, here's what I have in my tool belt. We agreed that trauma and vacation would be a bad combo but I may still write in the quiet of the evening when Im alone and in for the night. So writing more in my memoir is an option. She also suggested a sensory journal so I can record the things.I felt during the day. She is heavy into Somatic experiencing so this is a way for me to check into what's going on in my body. Lastly, I do art and hope I can use some of my feelings and experiences to inspire creation.

Do hang in there and perhaps find some other ways to explore on your own at least for that hour you would normally be in session. Even read yet another therapy book. It IS disheartening to have a break when you're working hard and making progress!!!!. But you'll find the place where you left off and she'll help with that.
Hope that helps!

 

[Jnean]

I know your right, I don't know why I am so upset about it. I guess we've been working on things weekly because I am too good at playing the disappearing act but I don't want to. So maybe it will be different this time. Plus my T seems to always know what to ask me or say to get me thinking for another week.

 

[Jnean]

Yes your right, I will finish the book I am reading on PTSD. And pick up where ever I need to when I meet with her again. Thank you!

 

[Suzetig]

I have a 3 week break too between one thing and another. If you don't feel able to work in stuff without her how about using the time (and money) to do something nice for yourself - maybe go out for a nice coffee, go for a walk or whatever you usually do to take care of yourself? The time will pass but it feels aong time when you're waiting and anxious.

 

[watundah]

I like that, too!!! Self care with some pampering!

 

[digger]

I don't know why I am so upset about it.

I think it's completely understandable, especially as you didn't really have notice for it so you could prepare. My T is usually really good at reminding me a couple of weeks in advance that we have a break coming up and still completely throws me sometimes! Now you do know though, you can try and make it as easy on yourself as possible. :)

 

[Jnean]

I am trying, I know that I can do it, my pattern is to hide behind some meds that sedate me but instead I am going to carve pumpkins!

 

[2ndtimearound]

I have used my therapy time to write to my therapist during longer breaks. I start writing at whatever time my session is supposed to start and stop writing when my session time is done. I have the ability to email my therapist as needed, but you could also read them to the therapist when they are back. Even if you don't send or read them aloud, it may help you to keep the flow going at least in your head. Just an idea.

 

[Laurie2001]

I sometimes see a back up therapist because depending on what is going on it may be too hard to go without it. Most therapists should have back up therapists. There's no shame in it. And there's no right way to cope with the distance.