[RaineD]

So I accepted a job in a small town four hours away. I'm still going to continue seeing my therapist, mostly over Skype and in person when we can make it work. It's going to be pretty hard for me to see him in person much over the first six months of my new job.

I'm freaking out. I don't know if separation anxiety is the right term, probably not, but I'm feeling super clingy. I'm going to bring stuffed animals to my next session and make him hug them and give them back to me. Normally, I'd be too embarrassed to do such a thing, but I don't even care anymore.

Has anyone else ever had to move away from their therapist? How did you deal with it?

[ChickenNoodleSoup]

I was away from home for 3 months because of work. Originally the plan was I'd see T once a month at most, and all other weeks phone calls. After 2 weeks I started seeing him every week, because it worked with my work schedule.

It didn't feel too bad in the weeks with only phone calls.

Due to the circumstances (not having any friends or boyfriend around, and being constantly alone), I started having very severe flashbacks, and I was glad I could see him almost every week. I would have normally used two sessions if I was doing this badly, but I could only do phone calls for one appointment each week. It was more support than real therapy. But it helped very much. I didn't feel anxious because I couldn't go to in person appointments or anything like that.

i understand. my therapist and i now live in different countries snd so we only see rach other once every year or teo in person. its really hard and i miss her terribly. we talk on the phone and skype often. but its not the same as in person. when she is hee in person we hang out a LOT. having the phone and skype is not the same as in person but its much better than nothing. we also email and text a lot.

[maybeblue]

I think phone and skype will help a lot. I live 4 hours from one of my therapists. I talk to her on the phone. In some ways it's not as good as regular face to face therapy, but in some ways it is actually better. I like not having to drive anywhere. I think it is good for me to rely on verbal and written communication rather than counting on her to "pick up" on signals that I am anxious or angry. I think it has helped my communication skills.

[growlycat]

For over a decade I did phone therapy with my long term t. About 6 years ago my insurance found out (t’s mistake) and they do not pay for long distance therapy. Thankfully at the time I was seeing a local t while transitioning away from long term t. When I am in my old home state I will still make an appointment to see him in person. The connection is there just sad that we can’t talk as often

Transitioning to a new t did help me learn that I can attach to and have s great working relationship with a new t. After seeing the last t for about 4 years I moved states again and sure enough I found another t to work with. I never thought I’d continue therapy after long term t but actually it was a blessing in disguise

I have a poor relationship with my biological dad and I think it affected my relationship with men. Having great relationships and safe loving connections has really taught me how to have a healthy even fun relationship with a man.

Phone therapy does lose a lot in translation. We could have Skyped but did not. In person long term t and I would go on walks or get coffee sometimes even a hug. I missed those things with phone therapy. Borrowing each other’s books and giving each other small meaningful tokens. I missed all of that

[RaineD]

Thanks everyone for responding. I can see that long distance is survivable, but I still can't stop the feeling of panic.