[just2b]

My T of four almost five years will be leaving in June, unfortunately the whole month of May T is taking off and will be in on occassion. So April is the last month that I may possibly see her. She told me last session that she is leaving the VA. I just lost it and broke down in tears. I have been crying on and off since then. I miss her so very much and even when its in between sessions I miss her. I cant believe that I will no longer be seeing her soon. I want to do something really nice and special for her. I dont know much about her except that she drinks coffee, and likes horses and has or does ride them. In therapy she often referred to us as keeping in the same boat and not having me go else where since I dissociate. Things like that I am gonna miss a lot. She had a way of making me feel so validated and safe and that everything would be okay. I cant believe that she is leaving me. I am not sure what to do for her. I want to show her how much she means to me and that our relationship means so much.
Thanks for listening and any suggestions would be great!!

[sconnie892]

I know you probably want to do more than this, but often the thing that has meant the most to me is a heartfelt note from a friend. I often keep these are re-read them over and over. Could you write something that incorporates some of the feelings of gratitude you've expressed above?

[just2b]

Thank you for the idea...I did not even see that. What a great way to tell her!

When I terminated with a T, I made a book using iPhoto. On the lefthand pages I put pictures and a meaningful quotation that she shared with me once and on the righthand pages I wrote the things that I'd learned (and was still working on learning) during our time together. It was really special.

I know that when my first therapist retired after I saw her for two years (two years of hell and she stuck with me), I wanted to do something very very special for her. I knitted her a beautiful afgan (fisherman's knit) and gave it to her at our last session with a card and a lot of tears. I wanted her to know that her ability to cover me with her care and concern was something I appreciated more than she could ever know. I even made a mistake in the middle of the project and didn't notice it until two weeks before I had my last session. It meant leaving it "as is" or taking it all out and re doing it. I choose to take it out and spend every last minute redoing it. I never regretted that decision and eight years later, I still miss her. She was a wonderful and supportive therapist.

I'm sorry yours is leaving and I know that you will find just the right gift to give her . .. along with just the right words!