[noodlzzz]

I've had to deal with her going away for 1-2 weeks but this time she's away for 4 weeks. Any advice or experience?

[stopdog]

I have found that after the first week, it is not such a big thing. We have had several month to 6-7 week breaks. Could you go do something like get a massage or yoga class or something during the usual appointment time?

[noodlzzz]

That sounds like a great idea, thank you.

[wotchermuggle]

Sometimes when you go back, it's hard to wrap your head around how things were over that large amount of time. I'll sometimes write down a handful of things for each week so I can stay on top of things too. Picking something special to do on your usual therapy day is something I do too. A movie, dinner out, a hike, etc.

[tinyrabbit]

Sympathies - mine is away too right now. It's hard. I find it helps to write an ongoing email draft to him as it gives me somewhere to put the things I want to tell him.

[stillhiding]

Mine is away for 5 weeks. I was dreading it, to be honest. The first week was rough, but now I'm finding it quite nice to have a bit of space, time to think things over, and hopefully be more ready to work hard again when she gets back. I've found journalling very useful in the meantime too. Hope you are okay, noodlzzz.

[Raging Quiet]

I agree with Stopdog; finding an activity, class or meeting at your appointment time can help the time pass quicker and also allows you to gain new experiences. I have done yoga/exercise classes, gone swimming or arranged with a friend to make homemade greeting cards in the hour I would usually see T.

Also, like Tiny Rabbit, writing draft emails and saving them, or writing letters perhaps in a diary to your T can help.

Huge hugs xx

[growlithing]

I haven't been able to contact mine at all for the past 12 weeks and I can't see her for another 4. I'm not really doing too great with it to be honest, but keeping a journal is helpful if you can get into it. Other than that, I just do my best to hold it together.

[noodlzzz]

Thank you everyone for the lovely replies, given me hope and some great ideas.

[Raging Quiet]

This could help:

Bon Voyage; when the therapist goes on holiday.. | Therapy nut loops.

Xxxx

My T takes 4 wks every summer. Been with her 10summers. The first yr I after being devastated blocked it out.
Little by little over each yr it changed. Yes we can lose ourselves in activities etc, but the mourning needs to be felt. Then we no longer have to do things to distract from the absence, we begin to use it. Stay connected even in absence.
Just go with whatever comes up for you. It won't be the same every day. Somedays it's easy, others its difficult.

[noodlzzz]

So I'm just about a week in and things are going well Feel like I don't NEED t but could do with talking with her, but that just gives me things to catch up with her when she's back

[growlithing]

Originally Posted by noodlzzz

So I'm just about a week in and things are going well Feel like I don't NEED t but could do with talking with her, but that just gives me things to catch up with her when she's back

I felt that way after the first week. It will probably get a little harder, but it won't be so hard that you can't get through it