[Rio_]

Turned out my therapist agreed with my parents that it was time for me to stop going. I was practically in tears by the end, but that's not really surprising - I hate goodbyes. It seems for anxiety problems there isn't really such a thing as being "cured", and it's not helpful to see it that way, because it's normal to feel some anxiety in daily life. It's how you deal with it, and whether it's excessive, that counts. We spent most of the session on how to avoid a relapse, which was helpful, and I've got a leaflet about it now. As for dealing with news stories that trigger my PTSD symptoms, I'm not supposed to avoid them (not that that's easy to do anyway, as I found out...), but I'm also to try and not get emotionally attached to them...not quite sure how I'm going to manage that, but I'll give it a shot.

This is a big change, and it does feel quite sudden, but he did say to call if I was finding things hard, so it's not like I'll never be able to go back to therapy again.

[Christina86]

I'm sorry ((((Rio))))) Goodbyes are hard. Especially when they're as sudden as that. I'm glad you'd consider going back into therapy if you felt you needed it. Just remember to be your own advocate, that if YOU feel you need therapy that you seek it. Try not to let your parents run the show.

much love and you've still got all of us here to listen and help if we can.

[Rio_]

(((((Canders))))) Thanks. They are, and there's been so many this year...it's my last week at school next week, too. (Although I'll be going back for the summer concert, so I'll see some of my favourite people there.) Thanks. I'm hoping I won't need to, but mum said that if there was a good enough reason she'd try and convince dad to let me go back.

Thanks again, I really appreciate that! You and other people here have helped me a lot.

[Christina86]

Wow, same here. I said goodbye to my T a few weeks ago, and some of my friends are graduating and leaving ... and then the whole summer thing too.

It's hard, but you get through it.

[Rio_]

That's a shame. It's funny in a way, though - up until very recently, I never thought I'd be sad at the thought of leaving school...

Thanks, I hope so. Good luck to you as well!

[(JD)]

(((Hugs)))) Tough stuff Well, I DO avoid news stories that have nothing for me.... or if your T means by not becoming attached...I just flip the channel quickly?

You must be doing really well for them to cut you loose somewhat. I'm sure T is still there if you do have some troubles along the way. TC!

[Perna]

Rio, plan for when you're on "your own" and can decide what you want vis-a-vis therapy. It's a rush to be able to pay for yourself and decide for yourself. . .

I had 18 years with the same therapist for anxiety (actually 27 aws there were 9 years inbetween) and it is "curable" so you're comfortable and life is "good". Keep working at it. My therapist's parting words were "keeping putting one foot in front of the other" and that's working well for me.

[Rio_]

((((Sky)))) Thanks. It was a bit of a shock (especially seeing as I'd told him in the email I sent that I didn't agree with my parents saying I should end that session ) but I guess it's either ending therapy first followed shortly by school, or the other way round...there isn't much of a difference, really. I don't know if you saw this thread (might trigger) - that's the sort of thing I meant when I said news stories. It was very hard to avoid hearing about it.

Thanks, I guess you're right. And I hope so!

[Rio_]

Thanks for replying, Perna. Being properly "on my own" won't happen for a few years yet - I'll be living off my parents and student loans while I'm at university, although I guess I'll be working during the summers as well.

I will, I don't want to get back to square one again! That's good advice, thanks for sharing it.

Rio, I am so sorry that you had to stop. What did your parents say when (or if) they found out that your therapist agreed that you should not stop going?

[January]

((((((((((( Rio )))))))))))))

Hugs,

Jan

[Rio_]

Thanks, pinksoil. Sorry, maybe I didn't word that right - my therapist did think I should stop going, he agreed with my parents. I was the only one who didn't want to leave yet. I don't think I would have stayed more than one or two sessions after that anyway, though, I just didn't like having to leave so quickly.

[Rio_]

((((((January)))))) Thanks.

Oh I didn't read that right, I'm sorry. Well either way, I'm sorry that you had to end therapy. I remember when I ended therapy with my 1st T I would call her every now and then if I was going through a tough time. I hope you can do the same.

(( Rio ))

I'm sorry the way it ended. I don't think it is helpful to you to have it forced on you suddenly.

There may be resources available to you at the uni you will be attending. You could begin looking into that. Also, if you are going to work summers possibly you could save some of your earnings to pay for more counselling?

You still have us here! (((( Rio ))))

Rio, I'm sorry you weren't allowed a "natural" ending, even if that would have been 1 or 2 sessions more!

Take care.

[Fuzzybear]

I'm sorry (((((( Rio ))))) I think abrupt endings like that are just wrong!

We're still here though....

[Rio_]

That's ok, pinksoil, don't worry about it. Thanks. He's said I can call him if I'm having problems, so that's something.

[Rio_]

((((ECHOES)))) Thanks. Well, it was going to have to happen before I left home anyway, this gives me a chance to get used to it I guess...

I just checked, and there is counselling there...although only "where no alternative resource exists", apparantly. Is that normal? That might be an idea.

Thanks!

[Rio_]

Thanks, mouse. I was hoping that's what would happen as well, but never mind.

[Rio_]

((((Fuzzybear)))) Thanks. I'm glad you're still all here.

[MissCharlotte]

Hey Rio,

Although the ending is not what you anticipated, you are handling this so bravely! Good luck to you and please take your T at his/her word and call if you need to. You know you have us to vent to when you feel like it. Keep posting!

Rio, contact them and ask what that means, then you'll know for sure.

Yes it sounds normal.

[Rio_]

Thanks, sister! Will do.

[SecretGarden]

Most Universities have counseling available to you if need be. Moving in to your college years is an incredible time. If need be... feel free to take advantage to what might be available to you there and ... you can do this independently of your parents and they need not know what you are doing.

Best wishes now though in this time of your life.... Enjoy yourself.

Oops...I did not read all the posts ... and see that I have been repetitive. Sorry...

Rio... you sounded before like this is what your parents wanted you to do but you did not truly know what you wanted. For your age this may be normal to SOME degree but I hope that you will find in time a way to self advocate. If you needed another meeting or three for YOUR comfort... you should have advocated (and your therapist seen this perhaps) and been allowed this. Perhaps that was the depression I was sensing??

Peace.