[Loco4]

Hi all,

My birthday is coming up and I have a session with t two days after. I really want to ask if we can acknowledge my birthday, maybe by doing something special that session.

Things have been really full on lately. I thought it would be really nice to spend sometime doing something fun. I'm thinking of asking if we can play a game of Jenga...

I'm scared to ask, I'm worried that t will think it's not the best use of time. There's ways it game be turned into a therapeutic game, I'd be happy with that compromise.

I also want to ask if we can make me a birthday card from t.. I'm not so sure about asking for this...

Has anyone had their birthday acknowledged in therapy? Did you celebrate? Did t give you a card?


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I had a session scheduled on my birthday last year, and I'd mentioned it to T during the session before that.

Didn't even get a "happy birthday".

I hope you can ask your T for what you'd like.

[Loco4]

Wow I'm sorry to hear that. I'd be devastated if that happened, that's what makes me not want to ask!

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[ScarletPimpernel]

I don't like my b-day to be acknowledged. Last year, she wished me happy b-day anyway....*sigh*

[Loco4]

What do people think, is my request reasonable/appropriate? Should I ask?

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[AncientMelody]

Yes your requested is reasonable.

[ScarletPimpernel]

Requesting for your birthday to be acknowledged is totally reasonable. Requesting a present or a card or even a game might be pushing it. But I say ask. You never know unless you ask. The answer might be no, but it could be yes. Just don't feel rejected if it's a no.

[kecanoe]

I think it is fine to ask. It is quite reasonable. And I think the idea of you and t making a card together is creative.

[rainbow8]

I think it's fine to ask. The first year I started seeing my T, I had a session on or near by birthday. I don't think she was going to acknowledge it. I remember asking if she gave clients birthday cards and she said no. I was disappointed, so she came up with the idea for us to make a card together. She keeps crayons, markers, and paper in her office, so we did it! I treasure that card!

I've never asked to play a game in my session, but others have posted that they have. It's perfectly all right to ask.

Happy Birthday!

[ruh roh]

I think it's totally fine to ask. Mine has said nothing, not even last time when it was the day after session and I was talking about it during session. I wasn't looking for an affirmation from her, but even an acknowledgement that it was a very difficult time would have been nice. Every therapist is different, though. Yours might be receptive, and it doesn't seem a big risk to ask.

[MobiusPsyche]

I think you have to ask for what you want, though. Don't just say "my birthday is coming up" and hope they respond in a certain way. They're not mind readers. (Although when we DON'T want to talk about something, it can seem like they are!)

I think a game would be nice and if it's a once a year thing, I wouldn't see the harm.

our borthdays are close together, so my t and i have a birthday celebration for us both every year, and have a good time with cake/ pie/ ice cream/ presents. i think it cant hurt to ask your t to acknoledge your birthday ,tis an important day.

[junkDNA]

T has given me cards for my birthday and wrote nice notes in them. last year on my birthday i gave him a present, which was backwards. i think you should totally ask, and maybe even share some of your reservations about asking.

[Cinnamon_Stick]

My birthday is always hard for me so this past birthday my T suggested I have a session on my bday. She gave me a gift. It was one of those adult coloring books with sparkle colored pencils and she wrote down a quote I love. She really made my day special and we had one of the best sessions ever. I felt so loved, cared for and important to her. I will always thank her for going out of her way to make my birthday special as she didn't have to. It was a gift just to be able to see her and chat with her and spend part of my day with her. We did some therapy but mostly just chatted and had a casual session.

I think you should ask your T and tell her why its important to you.

[Loco4]

Wrote an email to t today explaining my hesitation in asking and asked about acknowledging my birthday. I asked about making a card and playing a game. T called me briefly, she was so happy that I wrote to her. She loved my ideas and is happy to celebrate my birthday, even said she's looking forward to it.

Thanks everyone I'm glad I asked

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Originally Posted by Loco4

Wrote an email to t today explaining my hesitation in asking and asked about acknowledging my birthday. I asked about making a card and playing a game. T called me briefly, she was so happy that I wrote to her. She loved my ideas and is happy to celebrate my birthday, even said she's looking forward to it.

Thanks everyone I'm glad I asked

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Fantastic! I hope it will go great!

[CyclingPsych]

I brought up my birthday since it was going to be 2 days after therapy and hes like "happy birthday!!!!" and then asked me how it was the next session. Nothing special but he was excited about it.