My T is out for a few months for health reasons. She called me to inform me before our last session before she left. At that last session she told me all about her condition and was willing to answer any questions. She also invited me to email or call or text during her break if I wanted.

I didn't feel it was appropriate to 'invade' her privacy but after a few weeks, my substitute T who is friends with my regular T encouraged me to email her. I did and my regular T gave me an update.

Then I ran into her at a store and we got the chance to talk and catch up on her condition. It was great. She was open to sharing. I felt privileged.

I expect she'll return by October and my substitute T keeps me updated. I may or may not email my regular T before then. I definitely will not burden her with any of my issues.

She's been quite forthright about her situation and I suppose that's the type of therapy she practices.

In the past when I had expressed concern that she would be missing her lunch break by seeing me, she assured me that she can take care of herself. So, I don't think we should worry about causing hurt to our T's by asking questions. They are trained to expect that.