i don't know what to do. t is away from the 8th of december till 6th january. how the f am i meant to survive?? it's the christmas period and i always find that period triggering and hard and it's especially hard due to csa that always used to happen at christmas...

it's the time i need her most and she won't be there. i feel like she's let me down. she suggested i see an interim therapist like i did last time she was away for two months, which helped then. but i just can't be bothered to talk to someone else.

my T is the only thing keeping me alive. she goes, i go. i am not sure i am stable enough for her to just up and leave like that, although i know she needs a holiday of course she does she's a human, but ....

i'm scared i'll slide back down into that deep dark depression hole and do something stupid while she's away. i'm petrified.

[HazelGirl]

Could you find another T to meet with and help you through that time while your T is away?

[Leah123]

You have two months to create a solid, detailed plan for the holiday break. I'd sit down yourself and with your therapist and bring a calendar. Write down what you'll do for yourself each day, what coping skills you'll use, what pleasurable things you'll do, how you'll reach out for help, etc.

You have two months to learn and practice better coping skills, skills to stay grounded, to feel safe. You might add in a transitional object from her, or have her write you a letter or a few to open while she's gone, etc.

So, while I totally understand you feeling afraid, I see a great opportunity for you to take control here and *make* yourself more safe, stable, happy.

Originally Posted by HazelGirl

Could you find another T to meet with and help you through that time while your T is away?

Yeah i might, the only thing is that it gets kinda hard leaving THAT therapist.

[ThingWithFeathers]

I'm just coming to the end of a six week period of my t being away. I too was terrified of the idea of going so long without her but, while it's been tough at times, I managed to get through it. I did take my t up on the offer to see a colleague while she was away, and that helped. I think Leah's set out a good framework for you and your t to build on in the next couple of months. Christmas holidays are a hard time for many of us, make sure you take time to look after yourself.

Originally Posted by Leah123

You have two months to create a solid, detailed plan for the holiday break. I'd sit down yourself and with your therapist and bring a calendar. Write down what you'll do for yourself each day, what coping skills you'll use, what pleasurable things you'll do, how you'll reach out for help, etc.

You have two months to learn and practice better coping skills, skills to stay grounded, to feel safe. You might add in a transitional object from her, or have her write you a letter or a few to open while she's gone, etc.

So, while I totally understand you feeling afraid, I see a great opportunity for you to take control here and *make* yourself more safe, stable, happy.

Thank you Leah. That's actually really helpful, i think i will do the calendar. I hate not knowing what i'm doing.

Originally Posted by ThingWithFeathers

I'm just coming to the end of a six week period of my t being away. I too was terrified of the idea of going so long without her but, while it's been tough at times, I managed to get through it. I did take my t up on the offer to see a colleague while she was away, and that helped. I think Leah's set out a good framework for you and your t to build on in the next couple of months. Christmas holidays are a hard time for many of us, make sure you take time to look after yourself.

Thank you. Yes i think i probs will see another T for that period, its just gonna be hard finding one in Christmastime. I just can't go without.

Grr why does she have to go away for so long? and its even more annoying because i have no idea where she'll be. She doesn't tell me anything.