[fairyfloss21]

My therapist abandoned me and I am looking for some answers, as to get answers with him are not going to happen.

In what circumstances can a T not offer a goodbye session/closure/refuse to see you again?

It's been a hard road.

I am hesitant to post the full story publicy but happy to answer any questions or PM's...

[Fernwehxx]

IMO, that would be something quite personal that's offensive or dangerous. I don't know why else a T shouldn't be able to offer at least one closing session.

I am sorry this has happened to you, even though I can't say much without a little more info.

[toomanycats]

I also can't say much without more info. I imagine there are circumstances where this would be appropriate; however, I know from experience it can also be done in a really hurtful, damaging way.

[maybeblue]

It doesn't seem right for sure. I would be happy to talk on private message if you need someone to listen.

[ruh roh]

I am guessing if it's a safety issue--they feel unsafe or harassed--or if the client has started complaint proceedings or a lawsuit. The last would cause them to get legal advice and cease contact in those situations.

[musinglizzy]

The same thing happened to me last fall. I practically begged for a termination session, she wouldn't allow it. I was never disrespectful or threatening, nothing like that. In fact she always made me feel like she absolutely adored me. I am still having a very hard time with being "kicked out," without even having a session for closure, or to at least thank her for all the good she DID do. This abandonment has set me back a GREAT deal, in my therapy, even in my life, and I can't imagine ever healing from it. But, they say it can be done in time. Just sharing so you know you're not alone. It hurts like hell. Especially when the T, you thought, was the PERFECT fit for you (as I did). I was PROUD to be her client. Now I'm a throwaway. It's in times like this you realize just how much power therapists really have.....they have the power to make or break us. I want to say "only if we let them," but this has been a very painful experience....especially when I started seeing her two years prior to try to heal from mistakes my first T made. I just saw a new T yesterday.....she knows my story of the two T's, and it didn't scare her off. In fact, I think it helped her appreciate and understand me more. It's hell. I know.

[fairyfloss21]

Okay.

It's easing with time but I know this is going to be with me for the rest of my life.
I just don't know how I'll trust another again.

[musinglizzy]

Originally Posted by fairyfloss21

Okay.

It's easing with time but I know this is going to be with me for the rest of my life.
I just don't know how I'll trust another again.

I hear ya. It feels that way. And I know from my own personal experience I have been, and probably always will be, skeptical of any future therapists. I don't think they always realize just how much damage they can cause.

I think a T can terminate a client if, after careful consideration, they think that they are not able to work with them. It is probably better and more honest than continuing and not providing anything or being even destructive. But this does not warrant not even giving an opportunity to discuss the ending in session.

In my mind, very abrupt termination is probably legitimate if the T was stalked or otherwise harassed or threatened by a client, after repeated warnings and requests not to do it.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by fairyfloss21

My therapist abandoned me and I am looking for some answers, as to get answers with him are not going to happen.

In what circumstances can a T not offer a goodbye session/closure/refuse to see you again?

It's been a hard road.

I am hesitant to post the full story publicy but happy to answer any questions or PM's...

I have never experienced this with a therapist.

But I also live in the uk..

And I have not found most of the therapists to be therapeutic.

Hugs if ok

[BudFox]

What reason/justification did the therapist give? Need some context.

Generally speaking, a therapist can drop you for almost any reason. They merely have to claim "the client is no longer benefitting" or similar. There is no real oversight, so therapists basically have carte blanche. I think refusing a final session, or set of sessions, is justified only in an extreme circumstance, and barring that it's a thoroughly toxic and dysfunctional move.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by BudFox

What reason/justification did the therapist give? Need some context.

Generally speaking, a therapist can drop you for almost any reason. They merely have to claim "the client is no longer benefitting" or similar. There is no real oversight, so therapists basically have carte blanche. I think refusing a final session, or set of sessions, is justified only in an extreme circumstance, and barring that it's a thoroughly toxic and dysfunctional move.

I completely agree with this post.

It would, in most circumstances, be a very dysfunctional and toxic move/behaviour.

(((( hugs ))))

[cricketfan29]

Very difficult experience. Sending you a PM if thats ok.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by cricketfan29

Very difficult experience. Sending you a PM if thats ok.

This makes me so sad. So many of the “silent ones” seem to be... not from the USA

I’ve been silenced repeatedly by the “professionals” in this forest.

I suppose, there is that awful old cliche “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” . I personally think that’s garbage. But I also think everyone who posts here, even once, is probably “strong” and is also a survivor.

I find most “negative” cliches distasteful so please forgive me for posting this.