Ugh, that's so much time off, I'm sorry, Scarlet. Hugs to you. I know sometimes you see T during those times--is that an option? I know it's not the same, but I do find it helpful to see a backup.

Dr. T was off a few weeks ago for a week (well, more like 10 days), then he's off from now until next Friday (I will see him then), then he's off for like 6 days over Labor Day weekend (first weekend of September). Also in between there is my family trip to the beach, though I'll be able to meet with him virtually from there (they tend to be stressful, as my parents will be down there, too). It's been difficult for me because he's taken so few vacations since the pandemic. Plus he's had to do some random virtual sessions (without explaining why). So I get it.

I think it's good that you're showing restraint in not talking to her, for fear you'd say mean things or seem manipulative. I mean, I do think it could be helpful to express your distress about it rather than not saying anything at all, but if you feel you'd say things you'd regret and/or that could cause a rupture, it's probably better to hold off.

I do feel somewhat better having told Dr. T how the vacations/virtual make me feel, but I also said I understood that he needed--and deserved--some time off. (Though...L's time off seems excessive!) It was better for me to get it out than hold it in then explode on him at some point or be passive-aggressive. Though I still feel kind of bad about a couple things I said, and he said he how felt the only way he could make it OK for me was to never take time off (he said so in a kind way).

So maybe do think about whether it would help to talk to her about it more. Also, I'm not sure when your usual session days are, but if Mondays are one of them, I'd try to switch because federal holidays tend to fall on Mondays.