Hey all,

I don't have much time to write or catch up on threads but I just wanted to check in and say that my last session with my T went really well. She is amazing. I am so thankful.

She handmade me a special card to take with me on my move...she said she doesn't usually do that, but that she wanted me to have something to hold onto.

I never got around to asking her to write me a note/letter, so the fact that she did so on her own is just amazing.

I'll write more after I'm settled...

Big hugs to everyone

((((((((((((griffin)))))))))))))))

I've been wondering how you are doing! thank you for the update

I would love to hear how your session went when you have time (and if you want to share)

to you

[NuckingFutz]

Thanks for the update and good luck on the move.

[Perna]

Have a good move! Yes, sounds like your T is awesome.

[mixedup_emotions]

Wow, that is so awesome!!!

Good luck with your move. Update when you can. HUGS...

Originally Posted by treehouse

((((((((((((griffin)))))))))))))))

I've been wondering how you are doing! thank you for the update

I would love to hear how your session went when you have time (and if you want to share)

to you

Hey! I still don't have internet access at the new place. I'm at a coffee shop...but I did want to elaborate a bit on the last session.

In some ways it was a bit anticlimactic....no big emotional gush, as I had had at previous sessions. We started out by talking about the moving logistics coming up--just strategy for getting through the week. And then I asked T to tell me her perception of how I've changed in the time she's seen me.

It was funny because she described what she's seen me do, progress I've made in various areas of my life, but she didn't really see how much the T relationship has helped me heal. And so when she was finished, I told her how much I felt like she has shown me what a safe parent-like relationship is like and how healing it has been to have a safe place to go every week.

She started to say something like "you don't need places to feel safe, you are safe within yourself..." and I chuckled because we've had this debate before. She thinks I give her too much credit and I think she doesn't accept enough credit for offering a physical space and presence that is safe and healing. I just don't think she gets how HUGE that is for CSA survivors, to have a safe place to talk....She laughed too and said "I think we've had this conversation before" And I said "I just don't want to understate the value of having a safe place to touch base every week" and I equated it to a toddler venturing out into the world and checking in with her mommy and then venturing out further and further.... And she said she could see the parallel.

When it came to the end, when we normally would schedule something for next week, I started weeping, and she said "I want you to know I am holding you in my thoughts" and she reminded me that she still has my picture of little griffin in her purse. And we scheduled a phone session (for next week) and she gave me a huge hug...and that was about it.

Her note to me was/is absolutely precious. I won't share what it says, but it is something I will treasure always. always.

I decided to take a break from therapy for a few months while I settle in to the new place. I'll do a handful of phone sessions and unlimited email with T and eventually find someone new to work with. But T said she sees me as healthy and strong and capable of functioning just fine....I agree. Though I am sad and miss her so much already.

[zooropa]

When it came to the end, when we normally would schedule something for next week, I started weeping, and she said "I want you to know I am holding you in my thoughts" and she reminded me that she still has my picture of little griffin in her purse. And we scheduled a phone session (for next week) and she gave me a huge hug...and that was about it.

thanks for the update, griffin. That session sounds so powerful, and so sad. The part above is heartbreaking. I'm so glad you will have phone sessions and email contact w/your T as you make this transition. Please keep posting here, too.

[lily99]

hi griffin,
I think taking a few months off therapy can be a really rewarding experience. I stopped scheduling appts for 2 months just to see how I'd manage without weekly sessions. And I really surprised myself, I was a lot stronger than I thought I was. When I went back for a session, I felt really refreshed and ready to work on new things. It was a real confidence boost that therapy is actually working.

take care

[tears_of_a_clown]

Although the termination was obviously sad, this sounds incredible well handled. I wish all endings in life could be so affirming and positive.