do you get concerned about the therapist?

I voted "other" because there was a time last Fall when I told my T at the beginning of a session that I hoped s/he had a good vacation and s/he said it wasn't exactly a vacation...a family member had to have surgery. I told her/him that I was sorry, and s/he said thank you, everything turned out okay. And that was the end of it. I don't think T would allow me to continue to make an issue out of concern over her/his personal life, but I appreciated T telling me the truth. Otherwise, I doubt that I would know much about T's personal life; s/he keeps the lid on any way I might find out anything.

Recently my therapist had gotten sick. And I was concerned. We have previously discussed both our religious beliefs. When the receptionist called to cancel our appointment I asked for his voice mail and left a message telling him that I hope he felt better soon and would be sending him positive thoughts and energy for a speedy recovery. He thanked me at our next session.

Of course every so often I turn the tables on him and spend the session asking him questions... Nothing overly personal but things like "what book is he currently reading" or what's his favorite TV show. It's really helped to make a connection and I often use it as a way to maintain a scheduled appointment even when things have been intense and I just need a break without skipping an appointment... Knowing the this option is there makes it easier to deal with things and be able to open up to him about the deep issues.

He agrees that it is better then skipping out on a session, which can make it harder to go back. Of course I feel extremely blessed to have stumbled upon him. We have a lot of things in common, and I feel like he genuinely cares about my well being. And he's very big on letting me know that I'm not alone in anything.

So yeah I get concerned and will miss him a great deal when therapy ends. I'm very grateful to him for the support and encouragement he has given me... How can you not develop some sort of bond... even in a professional type relationship such as this one?

I have been concerned for my t at various times, but I haven't discussed it with her. She is responsible for her own self and I trust that she takes care of her self well and has a support network of her own. But yes, there have been times when I know she has gone through considerable stress.

I get concerned but don't say anything.

My T once had a serious illness. He's fine now, but I do sometimes worry that it might recur.