[Raging Quiet]

Back story; I left therapy after 10 years with the same T and had my last-paid session in February. My T didn't really want to finish working as a therapist but she is now retiring. She seemed really sad that it was over and asked me for a hug after the session and made me promise I would keep in touch with her. A few times I've been to see her for free and shared afternoons. I saw her at Christmas and we swapped gifts and she cuddled my baby. I even breastfed in front of her, she seemed like a grandmother. 10 years is a long time!

I've always emailed her and she's been very quick at replying. Even with a short reply, she's always been really great in that respect. Even during times I wasn't seeing her, she's always encouraged keeping in touch.

So, I sent her a VERY short 'hello' message a few weeks ago, literally saying "hello, hope you are okay". She appeared happy to hear from me and sent a decent sized email back to me,with a few questions, ending with;

..is life treating you well? Keep in touch, love T

I shared with her some major news that she knew was coming which we had spoken about previously, as well as a life event for me and something I had achieved. It wasn't a long email reply back to her, but it contained a meaningful message which also enquires after her.

And I've heard nothing since.

I'm worried. This isn't like her. It's been over a week. She used to reply at the weekends, in the night, whenever, maximin a 48 hours after I sent an email. I don't mind waiting, I'm not impatient, it's only from a welfare view.

I don't want to contact her again in case something is wrong, I'm scared she's suddenly become ill.

Or, I wonder if she thinks she replied and it didn't get to me.

I'm sorry for sharing.. I just can't share with anyone else and I know you guys understand where I'm coming from.

Hopefully she's OK.

[wheeler]

It seems like you have a wonderful relationship, and of course you'd be concerned. I think it would definitely be ok to email her again.

Perhaps she felt the one email response from her was enough and doesn't necessarily desire a continued back and forth email discussion? Might be more than what she means by "keep in touch"? Not sure.

[doogie]

I understand. My T retired and we have been keeping in touch via email as well. She replies 99% of the time, and the other 1% I always worry that something is wrong on her end. What I have found out is that usually those times my original email became buried under others, or she read it during a time she couldn't respond right away and then later thought she responded but hadn't - something like that. Just 'human error' type things. I don't know what is going on in your situation, of course, but I just wanted you to know that I do understand what you are feeling. I might just wait and then email again - a new email with some new 'newsy' stuff and then mention the news and the accomplishment again. Maybe saying - 'Oh, did I tell you....' to soften the 'why didn't you respond to my first message' part. Good luck - and try not to worry.

[Rive.]

I would wait for her to reply. It's hard to know what's up and many scenarios are possible... But the ball is in her court. I would give her the time and/or space to get back to me, in her sweet own time.