T is taking 3 months off

My T just told me that, starting about mid august, she will be taking a leave of absence because she is adopting a baby. She said she'd be gone for at least a month and a half, but she is not making appointments for when she gets back, she is just going to call people when she comes back. She said she IS coming back, but nothing about it is set in stone. She will be coming back at nights after a month and a half, but not fully until about 3 months. And she doesn't know what her schedule will look like then either. I have absolutely nothing concrete to hold on to. Not only is she getting a baby, but her 4 year old son is having surgery. She will be going through a lot and can't even promise touching base by phone.

I'm really emotional right now. Very mixed emotions. Extreme anxiety, sadness, jealousy that a baby is going to be more important than me (selfish i know, but its an emotion), also happiness for her, anxiety for her...i hope everything works out and her son is ok, and anger at her for leaving me to fend for myself.

A very close friend who was the other big part of my support system has chosen to leave my life recently and i haven't quite dealt with that yet. Now my other huge half, my THERAPIST, who is paid to be there, will not be available. I don't know how i'm going to survive. I'm going to have a lot of stressfull things going on around that time. The start of school is a big one. I've always been more depressed/anxious at the end of the summer/start of fall. I'm completely overwhelemed and i don't even know where to start in beginning to process this. I have 5 weeks. Five. I'm totally out of sorts. Someone tell me what to do!

(((((((((((((((((((((((krazibean)))))))))))))))))))))))

First, breathe...

Three months is a long time. I wonder if it would help to see someone else during that time?? I think if my T was going to be gone for that long, and I knew a tough time was coming up for me (like the start of school for you), I would probably ask for a referral so I could have some support during that time. It wouldn't be the same as T, and we'd probably deal with different issues...more like "how do I get through this" than deeper stuff...but I still think it would be helpful.

Could you ask your T for a referral to get through that time?? I know it can't take the place of your T, but maybe it would help.

My T is taking 3 weeks off and is leaving me a colleague's contact info, just in case. Can your T recommend someone for you to contact, or make appointments with? 3 months is a long time - I've only been in therapy 3 months!

Hang in there!

((((((((((((krazibean))))))))))))

3 months is tough. Like everyone else said, I would see if she could refer you to someone while she's gone. I know it's hard, but you will make it through this!

T just felt the need to let me know that she will be taking an additional 2 weeks off in August.T will also be gone next week to a conference. Though this is nothing compared to 3 months it's still a bit sad.

I had the same reaction when reading your post as the others. . .If you feel comfortable enough with it, I'd suggest you meet with a different t temporarily. That will give you some consistent support, allow you to deal with your emotions about t's absence, and stay on an even keel while your regular t is absent.

I'm sorry you're having to wait 3 months between appointments with her. You'll for sure need extra support. We'll help too!

You mentioned that you have 5 sessions left before your t takes her break. I hope you can talk about your upset feelings and ask her to help you be prepared for the upcoming break.