I'm sorry that was such a painful ending to your therapy session. And yes, your therapist really missed the boat on this one. She made the mistake of introducing an emotionally laden subject at the end of a session, and then when she saw the results of her bad timing, she didn't take the time to apologize and ground you. That said, it's a great opportunity for you to go in and let her know how badly she handled the situation.

I think it was nice that she tried to comfort you and gave you some Kleenex in the car, but telling you, hey, I'm sorry but I have to go pick up my daughter and I'll see you next week, doesn't cut it. All of this should have been handled in the session, not out in the office parking lot. I don't think she would have had to extend your session for more than ten minutes to address how badly she handled things. It probably would have taken a few brief moments--her acknowledging your grief and pain, followed up with her apologizing for her poor timing. Her daughter could have waited. And if she couldn't, your therapist should plan her day a bit better. There is no way in the psychotherapy profession to know when you might not end right on time. A little more of a cushion of time is maybe something she should have thought of sooner.

Please know that I'm not saying your therapist is a bad therapist; she just didn't handle this particular situation very well. That happens in therapy and it is an excellent opportunity for the two of you to work on the relationship. One of the most healing things I've ever had from my former therapist was a sincere apology without any excuses! I'm sorry you had to sit so alone in your car, crying. I hope you don't shut down and clam up in your next session. Please let her know how you felt and brainstorm some solutions to prevent it from happening again!