[lauren_helene]

Do any of your T's acknowledge your birthday? I am referring to a simple 'happy birthday' and nothing more.

[lenjan]

Only one of mine has ever wished me happy birthday without my bringing it up first. (My old pdoc actually called me at home after my appointment that was actually on my birthday, because he forgot to tell me while I was there. Which was one of the many very kind things he did for me.)

It's nice if they remember, but given their caseload and the number of people they have to keep straight, I'm not devastated if they don't.

No. Well, one brought me some daffodils - which I couldn't quite believe. None of the other ones have acknowledged it, though. Some people prefer it not to be acknowledged so maybe they try and be sensitive to that...

nope... although i think my current T would if he had some reason to remember or notice it... meaning if he knew it was my bday i think he'd wish me a happy one. i've never really thought about it.

[lauren_helene]

I'm trying to not be upset but he knows when it is because we frequently talk about what happened once on a birthday of mine, when I turned 22.

My dad told me something he shouldn't have. He had been drinking and told me that when I was born he didn't know if I was his child.

Needless to say, that sent me into a tailspin and he told me he would disown me if I asked my mom any questions. I carried this on my shoulders and I never did ask her until a few months ago and I was 37 at the time. That's quite a long time to not have any answers. She was beyond mad but explained the situation which sounded a bit unbelievable but at least I got it out of me.

Anyway, I've forgiven her and my dad and I'm over it now. I don't hate my birthday or anything anymore. T knows that when those close to me forget my birthday it bothers me...

Actually, this post sounds very poor me and I need to remember he's my T and not my friend...right?

My birthday is Nov 27th and I've mentioned it, just because it's a hard time for me to think about. I'm sure she'll give us a 'happy birthday' blessing. My little alters are trying to get her to bring in brownies.

[tulips30]

My Bday is Nov.30 which is this Friday. I just happen to have my T appt. Fri. I don't think I would have noticed if he didn't say anthing. After this, I will definately notice now

[sunrise]

No. But mine has no way of knowing when mine is. It hasn't come up as a topic in therapy so he wouldn't know. How does yours know when your birthday is, almedafan? A couple of months ago, my T did mention to me that he had just had his birthday, and I believe I gave him some belated birthday wishes (as I would to anyone who mentioned they had just had a birthday).

almedafan, I bet your T didn't know it was your birthday. I'm sure he remembers that your birthday is very significant for you, given what you wrote, but he probably doesn't know what day it is. If you tell him it was recently, I bet he will acknowledge it.

In any case, happy birthday to you from me! And happy birthday to those with upcoming birthdays, stormyangels and tulips30.

[__zh]

not a stupid question. probably just doesn't apply to all therapy situations or clients.

have heard many a happy b-day from therapists but not all of 'em over the decades.

[Perna]

My T, after 9 years, got my name wrong :-) so I know she had no clue when my birthday was. I can't imagine a T knowing my birthday anymore than a doctor or other professional I employ. I don't think they read official papers or anything; may note an "age" but not without prompting, etc. We once discussed ages (her asking me to guess how old she was) and occasionally she'd say something like, "you're X years old. . ." but she was more or less quessing at/trying to remember my approximate age and I usually had to correct her.

[MissCharlotte]

Well, don't think he is aware of it consciously but last year I was telling him a story about something that happened on my birthday and at the end of the conversation he said Happy Birthday.

Funny enough this year something similar happened and he didn't. (But it didn't bother me as it would not have "fit" in to the conversation).

I'm more concerned that he meets me in the moment!

[Mouse_]

I don't think T knows my birthday, and haven't found a reason yet to tell her either. I guess if it was my actual birthday on a session day and I told her it was my birthday she'd acknowledge it, but I tend to keep those details away from T.

[Izzyparker]

Yes, my t wishes me a happy birthday every year.

Hmmm I think I remember once saying to T...."Oh and over the weekend it was my birthday, so blah blah blah...." and I don't think he said anything-- but I really didn't expect him to say anything.

Since 2008 will be the 3rd birthday with him I am expecting balloons and a cake, lol.

[SweetCrusader]

My T has said happy birthday to me, but only after I've told her it was my birthday. I know I want to be acknowledged on my birthday, but I don't expect her to remember when it is (she has a lot of clients!). At first I took it personally that she didn't have it memorized, but then I realized that if I just told her it was my birthday, and asked for what I needed from her (acknowledgement), she would give it. It still felt good Once I had her schedule a session right around my birthday, and told her it was because I wanted to be around someone supportive who cared about me on my birthday. She was great about it.

Almeda,
No, my T has never acknowledged my birthday. I understand how you feel, though. It does bring up the subject if T can be your friend, and unfortunately, my T has already gave me a definite NO. I wish you a happy birthday, whatever day it is
Take care!

[lauren_helene]

Thanks everyone, this is a very minor issue compared to everything else I am discussing with T...time to drop it

Pink, I love the balloons picture very cute!