Hey Chummy,

It can take a while to build a new relationship with a T especially when you don't have much choice around it. If you could talk to the new T about what is happening for you that would probably help both of you with the transition.

You should try to talk to your regular T about how you feel about her if you can. It can be really good for your therapy to take that risk and you won't have another chance for a long time if you don't do it now.

Also, you can ask her for a hug. You can bring it up in session and see what her boundaries are around physical contact etc. Some therapists are totally fine with the occasional hug and it seems like it would mean a lot to you to experience her caring in this way. I say to bring it up during a session, as asking for a hug on your way out the door doesn't give her a lot of time to convey her attitudes about hugging, so you either get a hug or feel totally rejected with no time to talk about it.

I wanted a hug from my therapist and I wrote her an email about why and what it would mean to me. The following session, right when I walked in the door, she asked me if I wanted a hug. It was amazing! Just like that the thing I most wanted from her she gave totally willingly. I can't promise that this will be your experience but learning to ask for what we need is a big part of what therapy can teach us. It's worth the risk for that alone.