Yesterday I had a session with my new T and I felt very connected to her. This has been a breath of fresh air because I never felt that I could feel connected to anyone after losing ex T. While connection with ex T felt incredibly intense (like I’d get goosebumps during eye contact), I feel much more grounded with new T. I feel like I can let her in and then let her go, which has been such a relief.

At the same time, I can’t help but feel scared. I am frightened because I already feel close, and we’ve only been working together for like 3 months. She is already showing emotion in session, which I think has played a large role in me feeling more connected to her. I feel like I am broken because the last two long term therapists I’ve had, I’ve grown overly attached to / dependent on. Why should this therapist be any different? She is a DBT therapist and ex T recommended I see a DBT therapist because of my attachment issues. However, she does not seem to practice adherent DBT, rather, incorporates a lot of other modalities as well, like psychodynamic. At the same time, I have 24/7 access to her through call and text (like traditional DBT therapists offer). I have only used the phone support once, however. Even though I really struggle at times and she encourages me to call, I don’t because I’m afraid of growing attached to her. Do people have advice / tips on how to not grow too dependent / attached to their therapist? For those who have access to this level of support from their T, did that intensify your attachment? (For someone like me, I’m afraid it’s just going to be inevitable b/c this one seems really caring). Maybe I don’t let myself call her because I know I need that boundary for myself.