[AnxiousGirl]

I'm 19 and I've been seeing a therapist for GAD for a year. The most I've gone without seeing her was like 3 weeks and it was tough but I managed. So today I had my regular weekly appointment and it was actually one of the best. As soon as I sat down she pointed out that I looked more relaxed and how it was a good look for me (usually I'm very stressed because of school). She also said that I was the least lazy person she has ever met. Anyways, it was a good session, to be honest it felt more of a chat than anything intense. So she's going on vacation for 2 weeks, then the week she gets back I have exams so I don't know if I will be able to go in that week so that means I'm not going to see her for a month. That's the longest I've ever gone. I'm not sure what to do, like I keep thinking about it and how thats going to seem like SUCH a long time without going in. Any advice on what to do? She told me that if it gets too much then I can just schedule an appointment during my exam week which I highly doubt. Sorry I asked this in another forum but I needed some more input !

So what do you guys do when this happens?

Thank you !

I just consider it my own vacation from therapy. I use that time to do other things and just keep busy with the rest of my life. I haven't really found it all that hard, but I don't sit around doing a lot of thinking about therapy and my therapist when we can't meet for a few weeks. Sounds like part of that time you'll be busy with exams. Rather than think of it as what will you do without your therapist, perhaps think of it as what plans can I make to keep my life full and enjoyable during that time.

[stopdog]

I also turn it into vacation. I often take more time away and cancel appointments before and after the woman returns so that the leaving and return is my own and not hers. I spend the money I would have given to her on things that are fun.

[musinglizzy]

I keep a journal, in Email format, like "writing to her" every day. At the end of the vacation, I'll send it to her. She's on vacation now, but I haven't felt compelled to start it yet....I'll probably be too busy. She does usually check in while she's gone anyway.

[WrkNPrgress]

Originally Posted by stopdog

I also turn it into vacation. ... I spend the money I would have given to her on things that are fun.

This is a good idea! I had a break from My T for a few weeks, and I did go out and do something for myself during the time I would regularly had session. I made sure to promise myself I would focus on my own stuff and no one else's during that time.

You might be missing you T, but if you can think of a way to do something 'therapeutic' while they're out, just do it.

Go for a walk, take yourself to a movie, journal at the coffee shop, get some exercise, paint, play, dance in your room, whatever feels good to you. Dedicate that specific time to do it- so you can look forward to your usual 'session' time just like any other week.

[AnxiousGirl]

Originally Posted by WrkNPrgress

This is a good idea! I had a break from My T for a few weeks, and I did go out and do something for myself during the time I would regularly had session. I made sure to promise myself I would focus on my own stuff and no one else's during that time.

You might be missing you T, but if you can think of a way to do something 'therapeutic' while they're out, just do it.

Go for a walk, take yourself to a movie, journal at the coffee shop, get some exercise, paint, play, dance in your room, whatever feels good to you. Dedicate that specific time to do it- so you can look forward to your usual 'session' time just like any other week.

Yeah usually it's the first week or so that is the hardest. After that I start enjoying myself and even forget I go to therapy, then when the time comes around I either dont want to go back or cancel! Thanks

[emptyspace]

.
I still take the time off from work and I go and have fun during that time, which usually involves eating something with people.
Call you make arrangements with a friend during your T times?

[AnxiousGirl]

After today I actually feel sort of glad I don't have to go. Guess this feeling only lasted a few days and they just come and go. Guess that's normal

[Inner_Firefly]

Three weeks sounds very long, I hope you're OK. I hope exams keep your mind busy so you feel like the time passes more quickly. Take care! Keep relaxing so she will say again how good you look. She may be gone but she is always in your heart. It is hard for me too, when T is gone, I miss her a lot. But this gives me more time to work on my goals and get healthier so I can show off when she comes back. Keep us updated! If you really need to you can schedule an appointment during your exam week, but you probably will survive.

[AnxiousGirl]

Originally Posted by Inner_Firefly

Three weeks sounds very long, I hope you're OK. I hope exams keep your mind busy so you feel like the time passes more quickly. Take care! Keep relaxing so she will say again how good you look. She may be gone but she is always in your heart. It is hard for me too, when T is gone, I miss her a lot. But this gives me more time to work on my goals and get healthier so I can show off when she comes back. Keep us updated! If you really need to you can schedule an appointment during your exam week, but you probably will survive.

I think when a week or so passes ill be fine. But yeah it's very hard when she leaves. This isn't even the first time, in May I didn't see her for 2 weeks because I had exams and went on vacation. I'm using this time to workout and try to keep myself occupied in a healthy way! Thanks

Distraction helps for a short while. I found the feelings of anger, hurt were there in the background in the early years.
I didn't know how to just feel them. So it was much like fighting wasps for the whole time T was away.
Of course, it's not like that now.

[AnxiousGirl]

Just an update. My appointment is in less than a week ALREADY, and I do NOT want to go back! Having a month without therapy was a true blessing I really am nervous to have to go back. We have exposure work to do and I rather just cancel and not go back. Why oh why did time have to fly by so quickly?