I don't know that I've really ever given this much thought, so this was interesting to me to spend some time thinking about.

During my sessions with T, I am very conscious of the time. Well, as much as I can be if I am present and not struggling with dissociating. My hour with my therapist (usually twice a week) is the only time I feel safe and secure; it is valuable to me. I do struggle when it is time to come to a close - especially if it is coming up on a weekend or before a week where I am only able to see her once. I watch the clock and, while it does take away from my ability to be fully present with her, I feel as though it's necessary as I need to prepare myself for when the session is over. I know she also keeps an eye on the time and that's okay with me - she does have a client that follows after me. If we are talking about something very emotional, she will try to help me wrap up, but she is not so strict with her time boundaries that we cannot go over by a couple of minutes if need be. And, since I am allowed contact outside of sessions, I know that I can reach out to her if I feel it necessary.

All that being said, I don't know that there is anything specific that my T does to close a session. Usually, it's just a natural end. She will check her phone to confirm our next session, give me back my bag (long story), put a transitional object in my bag (again, long story), and then send me on my way. She will often remind me to eat, drink, and sleep before I walk out the door and, more often than not, I offer a sarcastic comment as I walk down the hall toward the door. Sometimes we are a bit more sentimental, but the light-hearted banter helps me acclimate back to my outside life more easily. When I am dissociating, it is different, I'm sure. But, she usually tries to get me, at least, partially back before letting me walk out the door. I appreciate that our routine is laid back as I struggle enough ending the session - any more fanfare and I think I would have even more of a difficult time. It's what works for us right now and I suppose it is working considering I've never really thought about how we close before. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!