This happened to me when I first started therapy and it was very frustrating. As soon as I walked out that door, I'd lose T's face. I think it was resistance to the process initially. After a while that didn't happen any longer.

During my last session, I spent most of the session trying to memorize T's face. I was so afraid I'd forget... I know it was awkward for him, but he put up with it. I've been out of therapy since December 10, 2008 and T's face is still crystal clear in my mind, thank goodness. I've often longed for a photo of him as well, but I never felt it would be right to ask for one.

I agree that it is very important to not leave anything left unsaid when leaving therapy...or at the end of any relationship for that matter. I like to think of my own T as knowing that he made a huge difference in my life. I'm really happy that I told him that he had.

I've always thought of this (forgetting faces) as a way that the mind protects itself from the pain and reality of loss. Maybe in time as you adjust to no longer seeing the family therapist, his face will come back to you. But it doesn't mean you'll ever forget your own T's face. I haven't forgotten mine.