This discussion is bringing back memories for me. When I was with my first counselor, a woman, she told me at a session that she would not be available for a couple of weeks as she was going on vacation. She said she had someone covering for her (a woman) and that if I wanted I could see her for sessions until she returned. I was so clueless about therapy at that time, and I had so little of a bond with my counselor, that I considered this very seriously as she posed the option. I think she was kind of taken aback that I actually considered it! As if one counselor was identical to another and could just step into another's shoes at your regularly scheduled appointment time each week. Anyway, after considering it briefly during the session, I decided it would be too much hassle to try to bring another counselor up to date on my problems, so I declined the offer.

My current therapist, to whom I am strongly attached, has never offered a replacement to me when he goes away, which is rarely. And I would not see his replacement if he went away, because a lot of what I am able to accomplish in therapy is due to our relationship. Plus I am a phone-phobe and would have a hard time talking to a stranger. I have a hard enough time called T as it is, which has really only been once. I've never called his answering machine to see if he has left the name of anyone to call while he is away. His regular away message does list the number of a crisis clinic to call if you need someone in an emergency. I think all registered counselors in my state are required to have such a message. I guess if I were in an emergency situation, I would call that number. I wouldn't care if I spoke to a male or female as it's an emergency and I think any person trained to handle emergencies would do. I'm not asking to form a relationship with them.