I've been in therapy for 9 months with the same therapist. I felt some forward progress in the first 4 months, but have felt stuck since then. In fact, for the past 2 months I've felt worse than I did before starting. I've told him multiple times in the past 2 months that things aren't going well and I feel stuck. Although I've developed an alliance with him, I don't feel that he is capable of helping me. I have a major issue with his inability to hold the frame (namely, being late EVERY session). I discussed this with him months ago, but he has yet to alter his behavior. Anyways, a couple of sessions ago he was actually early and started the session by apologizing profusely, saying that he is going to be there for my needs from now on (makes me wonder who's needs he was considering before). I was dubious, but became hopeful when he was on time for the following session. At the end of that session, he announces that he is going on vacation for the next three weeks. The following session (the last before vacation) he was 15 mintues late. I now realize that there was no serious intent on his part to uphold his promise. He only made such a production in the hopes of retaining me through his absence. Sadly, I know this behavior will continue when he returns. His tardiness evokes anger and rejection in me which becomes a willful defiance to session disclosure. He doesn't feel reliable to me and I only regret that I haven't considered finding another therapist sooner. So, for the next 3 weeks I'm going shopping. Hopefully I can find a more suitable fit and if so, I'll have a departing session with my current T. I've done a lot of soul searching and have concluded that this will be a painful decision regardless of what I decide.

Trying to look at this break as a positive time to evaluate my progress (or lack thereof) and find a T that truly cares for his patients. I'm struggling with feeling like I'm betraying him and dreading the prospect of starting this whole process over again. Anyone else struggle with switching Ts and how did your T handle the departure?