[Whiteroses02]

My therapist is going on a leave of absence for a few months. She has been extremely open and cautious with preparing for this temporary goodbye. I am honestly okay with our temporary break and have already setup coverage in the interim. The one thing I really want her to know is how much I appreciate and respect her and all the work we have done so far. I have a really difficult time being so open with such raw emotions and because of this have only beat around the bush trying to express these emotions to her.
So I decided that not only will it benefit me to practice this kind of vulnerability but I know she deserves to hear my compliments. I wrote a letter and plan to read it in our final session this week. I'm anxious, but proud of preparing for this goodbye.

Anyone have any experiencing with expressing how much you care about your therapist, especially when you usually try and keep a stoic demeanor?

[Soccer mom]

I have and many times have had to read what I want to say. Maybe it feels too vulnerable to say them and look at her vs reading. I'm trying to read less and less and talk more. I'm sorry you're having to have such a break from her and hope you can discuss everything you want!

[Chummy]

I bought a card for her and wrote what I thought of her in a letter. I gave it after our last session had ended. She appreciated the card. It's so hard for me to express my feelings towards someone. So I wrote it in a letter.

[Kat605]

Hi. I think having the letter to read is good. I hope you're able to express these feelings. It sounds like it'll really help you.

[bterrier]

My therapist took a leave of absence also. I gave her a card to express how much she meant to me and how much she did for me. I was unable to read it to her because I was so overwhelmed the last few therapy sessions. I think she appreciated - she never said.