I'm pretty sure there is a two year waiting limit in CA for the T and client to be romantically involved...but what about just friends/casual acquaintances?

Not saying that this would even be a possibility, but I might end up terminating with current T soon. It's hard to imagine him not in my life anymore, and it's gonna kill me.

[Leah123]

Can they, yes, but it's my understanding the same time frame applies, and that even after that, the majority of therapists choose not to pursue personal relationships with clients as a blanket policy.

But, maybe you won't terminate until you feel moreready to do without him in your life, then you won't have the dilemma.

[stopdog]

I became friends with the first therapist I ever saw just after I stopped therapy. There is no universal rule about it. The woman was straight and my mother's age so perhaps that helped, but she did have several past clients as friends. We had a hobby in common. Some therapists impose a time frame, some won't do it at all, and some don't seem to care.

It is a bit of a surprise that so many people want to be friends after they quit therapy. I have no urge to be friends with either therapist I see now. I do not think we would like each other particularly or have any thing in common really.

[precaryous]

I have not seen my PrevT in person for more than ten years but she allows me to keep in touch by email and phone. But I always initiate contact. She considers herself to be a part of my broad base of support, kind of a mentor and available for catch up. She doesn't offer many personal things about herself but will answer my questions about her general life.

I'm sure we aren't true "friends" but I believe she allows our contact because she cares about me.

All this time has gone past and I still dream about her. Sometimes she is a T, sometimes she is a teacher.

Pre

[sailorboy]

I have a dream where T and I get together for lunch every few years post termination but I wouldn't even know how a real friendship would work. The balance of power, at least for me, is permanently weighted in their favor.

[iheartjacques]

In my country, after 2 years they can have a relationship, but it's strongly advised against. Friendships, I don't know.

[InRealLife45]

Originally Posted by winenot3

I'm pretty sure there is a two year waiting limit in CA for the T and client to be romantically involved...but what about just friends/casual acquaintances?

Not saying that this would even be a possibility, but I might end up terminating with current T soon. It's hard to imagine him not in my life anymore, and it's gonna kill me.

entirely up to the T in question

[JustShakey]

Yeah, two years seems to be what most of the professional licensing boards ask before there is any 'outside' contact. But from what I've read, romantic involvements at any point are frowned upon.
If the transference is not resolved though I doubt any responsible T would get involved.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[growlycat]

I somehow think that both of my T's would be less attentive in a "real" relationship. CBT T especially. Not sure why.

[Lauliza]

Fr what I've heard it seems like most Ts wouldn't seek a friendship. But I guess it does happen. If it feels that upsetting to you maybe you should wait to terminate.

[ScarletPimpernel]

For CA: two years for a romantic relationship. Friendship can be whenever so long as therapy is terminated.

[HazelGirl]

Legally, there's no limit. But my T has mentioned a two year break from the time we end therapy to any friendship. But I also know that a friend of mine saw her for therapy (for much less complex and serious things) and is friends with her now. So she does occasionally allow it. But I would guess it varies depending on the person and the situation.

[Parley]

I don't believe I could be friends with my therapist even if we did have something in common. I just can't see it. I believe the relationship will always be imbalanced. The only way to tilt the scale would be to destroy the relationship. My opinion is based on my own experiences in life and therapy is new to me. I won't know how I feel until it's time to end.

[always_wondering]

My T made it clear, day one, he will never be my friend. This is why I feel I can never leave therapy. I cannot fathom the thought of never seeing him again

[Mactastic]

I also can't wrap my brain around termination and never seeing my therapist again but I also know being friends with him would be too painful. I suppose it's better to forever carry around the image I've created of him rather than learn his flaws and see his humanness. The relationship is also far too imbalanced and no amount of time could ever wear that away. Being friends with our therapists is undoubtedly harmful in the long term.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk