For those of you who have successfully taken a break away from therapy, how long was it? And was it in-between therapists? I guess I am looking for people who have chosen to do so for one reason or another, not those who were forced to do so...because if I decide to do it, it will be my choice. I am also wondering how you felt going back and if you thought the break was helpful for your therapy?

I have no idea what to expect as far as feelings during a break, but right now I am so jaded and irritated with this therapy process as a whole, which really has not worked for me. I am currently terminating with one and have already found someone else, but I feel smothered and exhausted by the idea of starting again. Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

[stopdog]

I have taken two and three week breaks from the one I see now throughout the whole time I have seen the woman. I think the longest break with this one was 8-9 weeks. I often wonder why I go back as after the weirdness of the first week non-therapy week wears off, I still have the reasons I go with me, but I don't have the added horribleness of the therapy itself (anxiety prior to going, horribleness of being there, post appointment rage/frustration).

I have taken a 6 month break before going back to t, at first I was relieved to be on a break because my head was exhausted from all the self analyzing and observing patterns etc. As soon as I took a break I noticed my old self returning and the patterns coming back and I got back with my ex probably because I missed the intimacy and wasn't doing great.
So in a way the break was good because I was able to get on with my life again in a normal way(not obsessing about therapy) but in another way I fell apart. I would thing long and hard about taking another break until I know I am stable and able to cope with my emotions on my own.
I can relate to those feelings you are experiencing especially the exhaustion and only you know what is best for you. If you are feeling like you are in a therapy burnout a break can be great and really tell you where you are in your self healing

Originally Posted by button30

I have taken a 6 month break before going back to t, at first I was relieved to be on a break because my head was exhausted from all the self analyzing and observing patterns etc. As soon as I took a break I noticed my old self returning and the patterns coming back and I got back with my ex probably because I missed the intimacy and wasn't doing great.
So in a way the break was good because I was able to get on with my life again in a normal way(not obsessing about therapy) but in another way I fell apart. I would thing long and hard about taking another break until I know I am stable and able to cope with my emotions on my own.
I can relate to those feelings you are experiencing especially the exhaustion and only you know what is best for you. If you are feeling like you are in a therapy burnout a break can be great and really tell you where you are in your self healing

Thanks, I am trying to weigh my stability vs. my frustration...of course, I can get in to see the new person fairly quickly if I need to if I do take a break. I guess if I take a break I want something good to come from it, to get some priorities in order, and go back when I am ready and not in a panic...and feel like a failure.