Have you tried talking to the therapist about how you may need more than he can provide? I would not just settle for once a month if I thought I needed more. There may be other options if you discussed it with him or you could even get his help to transition to another one.

I don't consider myself "under" anyone's "care" - let alone needing their permission or release to do anything. That whole paternalistic approach of some therapists is not something I will be a part of.