Ah, I had to say goodbye many, many years ago to my university therapist. He was amazing and I probably could have kept talking to him forever, but that just isn't a possibility with university services.

I remember I found the perfect card and I wrote him a brief letter thanking him for his support and help over the last few years. We had a nice last session -- very optimistic and positive -- and I went on my way. Honestly, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe it was because I was going directly into my first "real" job. I was busy with the moving, the new responsibilities, really adulting for the first time, etc., but I didn't really have enough time to dwell on missing him.

I didn't jump right into finding a new therapist just because I really was that busy, but down the road I did. And it was okay. I discovered there are other really good therapists out there.

That university therapist and I did maintain contact over the years. At first it was because he was also the director of career services and my career portfolio was housed in his department; I did some initial job changing so I had reason to contact his office. Later, I did contact him for help with finding a therapist in my area; he found some contacts for me as a place to start. Over the years, we just sort of kept in touch -- not AT ALL as therapist and client anymore -- more on a professional basis as we both work essentially in education and personally just keeping track of each other. We probably speak over the phone or email two or three times a year -- for over 30 years now -- but again, it is just kind of like keeping up with an old friend from way back when. I haven't physically seen him for ages but my own son is considering my old alma mater as a college choice and we'll being going for a college visit so I'm sure I'll look him up and meet him for a cup of coffee while we're there when the time comes.