[RaineD]

My therapist told me that our next session might be our last. His health has taken a turn for the worse... My brain is unable to comprehend what is happening. I need to prepare for our last session, but my brain is paralyzed by the pain and fear.

Help? How should I prepare? What would you do if you were me?

[LonesomeTonight]

I'm so sorry, RaineD...Maybe think about writing a letter saying what he means to you and how he's helped you that you can give to him? I wonder if you could ask him to write something for you as well to keep?

[ScarletPimpernel]

I'd ask for something to remember him by. I'd also tell him how much he means to me, how he's helped me, etc.

[weaverbeaver]

Just like the others have said I would tell him how much you liked working with him and what you got from it.
I would also explain how much you will miss him and how much attachment you had.
I might also ask for a referral if you are planning to continue in therapy.
I am so sorry, this must be really hard!

[RaineD]

Maybe I'll finally find the courage to ask for a photo.

[weaverbeaver]

Originally Posted by RaineD

Maybe I'll finally find the courage to ask for a photo.

That’s a great idea- I hope he agrees

[ScarletPimpernel]

Do you know if you can stay in contact? Don't know if you'd even want that.

[ruh roh]

You would not want to do what I would do, which is to sob without restraint, so I would go with what some others have suggested about letting him know what you have gained and/or appreciated during your time with him, and asking for something to remember him by (photo, which you've wanted, if I recall, and maybe something else from his office--heck, I would be tacky enough to bring a bag to fill up, but then again I tend to go too far with things). I would also want to know if there's a referral to another therapist and if they can keep you updated on how he's doing, because I would think the idea of his dropping out of your life and vanishing like that would be a difficulty that could be mitigated with occasional updates.

Also, I am very sorry. I can't imagine the grief you're facing.

[RaineD]

Originally Posted by ScarletPimpernel

Do you know if you can stay in contact? Don't know if you'd even want that.

I can't stay in contact with him. I asked. He said no.

[RaineD]

Originally Posted by ruh roh

You would not want to do what I would do, which is to sob without restraint, so I would go with what some others have suggested about letting him know what you have gained and/or appreciated during your time with him, and asking for something to remember him by (photo, which you've wanted, if I recall, and maybe something else from his office--heck, I would be tacky enough to bring a bag to fill up, but then again I tend to go too far with things). I would also want to know if there's a referral to another therapist and if they can keep you updated on how he's doing, because I would think the idea of his dropping out of your life and vanishing like that would be a difficulty that could be mitigated with occasional updates.

Also, I am very sorry. I can't imagine the grief you're facing.

I wish I could cry, but I've never been able to cry in therapy. I'm not much of a crier when I'm sober, and I certainly can't go to therapy drunk.

There is a person I can contact to get updates on how he's doing.