[tametc]

I am wondering if there are others on psych central who have experienced this? I lost my last therapist due to his serious and sudden illness. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in June of 2012, and in July of this year, suddenly and unexpectedly developed severe cognitive symptoms. He had to quit his practice.

The therapist I saw prior to him, had a brain tumor. He kept assuring me that he was doing well with treatment, and that he would be back at work in a matter of months. Unfortunately, that was not the truth, and I'm not sure why he wasn't honest with me. I found out he had died several months after he passed.

I am still working through my grief with the most recent T.

I'd like to hear others' experiences with these issues. The reason I joined Psych Central was because I needed more support at this time. So far, I've received a lot of support, encouragement, and caring suggestions.

If I can figure it out, I'm going to post a poll with this.

[reesecups]

I have been fortunate personally not to have experienced this, but a friend of mine lost like three therapists in a row. Two due to illness and one simply deciding to quit her practice all of a sudden.

I think that would be very difficult for you to go through. Take care.

[Rzay4]

Thankfully I have not.

[Haddon]

I am so sorry about the loss of your therapist. It's coincidental that you bring this up.

I was helped through an incredibly difficult time by a counselor a long time ago. This were really awful for me at the time - beyond what I could honestly handle - and he helped me immensely. I felt horrible at the time and he believed in me; he genuinely did. He was a wonderful person, and later became a great friend of me and my family. He'd schedule "appointments" for no charge, where I would just go to his office, chat, and catch-up.

Then he was diagnosed with cancer. By the time it was detected, it had already metastasized and he only had a matter of months.

I think about him every day. He gave me a book for my 11th birthday, and wrote a really kind note on the inside for me. To this day I can't read it without crying.

[krisakira]

I put that yes he became seriously ill, because a month ago he went on an extended medical leave from work. I am now with a new T but I miss him. I don't know what is wrong with him because no one will tell me.

[tametc]

Originally Posted by Haddon

I think about him every day. He gave me a book for my 11th birthday, and wrote a really kind note on the inside for me. To this day I can't read it without crying.

I'm glad you had this wonderful person in your life when you really needed him. There is something so intimate about a good relationship with a therapist; no wonder you still cry. Thank you for sharing this.

[tametc]

Originally Posted by krisakira

I put that yes he became seriously ill, because a month ago he went on an extended medical leave from work. I am now with a new T but I miss him. I don't know what is wrong with him because no one will tell me.

I am so sorry you are going through this. The not knowing what's wrong is so difficult. Is it possible for you to ask someone to ask him if it's OK for you to know more details? I had to do that, and thankfully, I learned a little bit more. I hope you keep posting and getting support.

[tametc]

I asked my current T (who was my former T's office-mate) if she could ask him if he would be willing to have a brief phone call or session so I could have some closure. He did come in for a partial session while I was with the new T, and the three of us had some time together. It was very hard, and I'm sure it was difficult for him, as well. I gave him a card that said, "What can I say to someone who has done so much for me, who means so much to me, and who holds such a special place in my heart?" On the inside, it said, "All I can think of is thank you, thank you, and thank you again." I signed it with "Love and prayers". I miss him so much.

I think the hardest part was the abruptness of the loss. I had an appointment scheduled for a Thursday, and the day before my appointment, the receptionist called and left a message, telling me he wouldn't be in the rest of the week and had to cancel, and also had to cancel for the following week. When I called her back, I asked if it had anything to do with his health, and she said she wasn't at liberty to say. At that moment, I felt lost, hurt, abandoned, scared, cut off. It was the first time I felt that he had really let me down. It was hard to be so mad at him and miss him so terribly all at the same time. Now, I just miss him.

[DianaCW91]

I lost my psychiatrist 2 years ago to cancer and due to living in a relatively small place there is no other psychiatrist in my area. My general doctor is doing the best he can and has called in a few favours. But not having someone to talk to and not being able to have regular sessions is really starting to get to me. The national health department is "working on the issue" but nothing yet...

[tradika]

I had a therapist who was murdered.

[tametc]

Originally Posted by tradika

I had a therapist who was murdered.

I am so very sorry that you experienced this. I am at a loss for words. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.