[annielovesbacon]

So I am in university and in the spring I am studying abroad. Yesterday I had my last session with my T as I won't be able to see her again before I move. Before that session I had been debating whether or not I would start seeing her again in the fall, when I come back to university, and if she would want me to or not. I supposed it would depend on how I held up over the spring/summer and how I was feeling.

But in our session yesterday she said her goal for me was to be more self compassionate "by the time you graduate" which is in 2 years... she also said "I'll see you next fall" as I was leaving. So I guess she expects me to come back, and maybe even hopes/wants me to.

Has anyone gone without seeing their T for a long time and then come back? Was it weird? What was it like?

[Pennster]

I haven't been in this situation but it sounds like she's happy to keep working with you. Are you worried it will be weird?

I studied abroad back when I was in college- when I got back I remember thinking how funny it was that I had gone off and had all these experiences, yet i could come back and the people at home were pretty much the same. It was kind of reassuring. I guess I'm thinking that even though it seems like a long time now, it will probably pass quickly. And if you choose to go back to your therapist you might find that it just feels like you're picking up where you left off.

[ElectricManatee]

I had a somewhat similar situation with the T I saw at my university's counseling center. It was only a summer, but I went out of state for an internship and wasn't sure if I could/should come back after. After I left my last session, my T sent me an email encouraging me to at least come back for a check-in session. Looking back, I think we both wanted to pick up where we left off because it was going really well (and we ultimately did). I think your T telling you about her goals for your therapy is a pretty strong indicator that she would welcome you coming back.

As for long breaks, I had that one and I have had a couple with my current T. None of them have been awkward, and I've always felt like we picked right up where we left off. If you have a good connection with somebody, you usually feel it again when you see them, even if you've been apart for a bit.

[stopdog]

I don’t think you have to decide right now. You really could just wait and see what happens when you get back how you feel about it

[growlycat]

I moved back to my home state a few years ago after a layoff and went back to my old t. It was kind of nice actually. He seemed more encouraging than he used to be. Then again this t in I have a long history and never really fell out of touch.

[annielovesbacon]

Thanks everyone, stopdog you're right, I don't need to decide right now.

T also said if I was in crisis I could call her, or I could call "just to chat" (I'm not sure when it would be appropriate "just to chat" with my therapist?) Anyway, it's comforting to know she'll still be there for me while I'm gone, and that she'll be here when I get back. I guess I'll wait until I get back to see how I feel and if I need to go back.