[runlola72]

I've been on a trip for a few weeks and then had food poisoning so went several weeks without seeing T. I'm finally feeling better and had a session today, and he said "great job!" at the end. I've been seeing him weekly for over a year and he's never said that before. I didn't do anything differently today.

I did send him a few emails while away, but not as many as usual, so he got a decent break from me. I feel like the compliment "great job" came from renewed energy after working with me (I know I can be exasperating). Maybe I should plan breaks every few months? I feel so connected to him, I feel like his energy toward me has shifted. I also feel less angry at him so maybe the break was good for me too.

Does anyone here take breaks periodically to reset?

[Argonautomobile]

I'm glad things are going well. I've found breaks useful. Sometimes I just don't feel like going, so I don't. Other times I wish I could see T more often. I think this depends on one's needs at any given time.

[CantExplain]

The occasional break is probably a good idea.

[runlola72]

Thanks for your replies.... I tend to feel overly attached sometimes and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or if I should take that opportunity to take a break. I have an avoidant attachment style from childhood so needing someone feels distressing sometimes. I think breaks might be good occasionally but I need to be careful that it's not me trying to avoid closeness. It's a fine line.

[stopdog]

I take breaks all the time. Without them, therapy would never work for me

[Elio]

I find my anger towards t is trying to tell me something about myself so I don't think about taking a break during those time periods even though I want to. I push on. .

I think taking breaks from anything that is overwhelming in the moment can be a good thing. I often get a much better clarity on my therapy process (and almost everything) with a bit of distance and time not engaging in it. I think this may be especially true if the therapy is very emotionally involved as that clouds reasoning for sure. I found that my therapists usually discouraged taking a break without a practical reason like traveling but of course they do, it's their income. I also have avoidant tendencies but I think there is a difference between fear of closeness and keeping a healthy distance and pace relative to overwhelming and upsetting situations.

I've not taken a break, apart from holidays. Can't say whether it's good or bad. I guess it depends on more than that and the work you are doing.

I've always found breaks from whatever is my usual routine are a good thing from time to time. Those kinds of change of pace are generally rejuvenating and make the return to routine actually more effective and my attitude is better. Therapy was no different in that aspect for me.

[runlola72]

Thanks very much, I am going to try to ensure occasional breaks with T