[coolibrarian]

My T's updated VM message says that she is willing to do phone sessions. But I'm still on the fence as to whether I want one, or not.

I have no privacy in my office; we, with the exception of one person, are in cubicles, with no doors. So I wouldn't want to do a phone session here at work. But work is where I am, 8+ hours of the day.

I've done phone sessions with T before, but not under the same circumstances; some of you know that she's been on medical leave since 11/14/2018. I haven't seen her since 11/7/2018, and she doesn't have a "go back to work" date, yet.

The thought of doing a phone session--anywhere--with T scares me, because I'll want more than just a conversation. If I want to hear her voice, I can just call her VM, listen, and hang up. She knows that I do this occasionally.

Yet, if I keep on the way I'm going, I'm also afraid that I will just keep sliding into The Pit, with rare instances of plateau. I haven't felt "well" for a long stretch of time, since, maybe, last spring? Just before she told me her Dx?

I see my Pdoc this week, but, as I've said before, I don't want to see him for psychotherapy. I know he is a good doctor, but I don't feel the warm connection that I do with T, and I don't want to. I just want T.

Help, please.

[wheeler]

Seems like a phone call is your only option, assuming you can make it work given your schedule. We occasionally do FaceTime and works well for me.

[CelestialFlame]

Are your weekends filled? Perhaps you can go after work? My family members typically drive from work to their therapy sessions.

[LonesomeTonight]

How long of a lunch break do you get? If it's an hour, could you go sit in your car (assuming you drive to work) and talk to her there? (If you didn't live in a cold area, another option is to take a walk and talk to her, but I see your location and I doubt walking would work well this time of year!) Or could you take an hour of leave and go in late or leave early one day?

[coolibrarian]

Originally Posted by CelestialFlame

Are your weekends filled? Perhaps you can go after work? My family members typically drive from work to their therapy sessions.

I CANNOT see my T; she is out on medical leave.

[coolibrarian]

Originally Posted by LonesomeTonight

How long of a lunch break do you get? If it's an hour, could you go sit in your car (assuming you drive to work) and talk to her there? (If you didn't live in a cold area, another option is to take a walk and talk to her, but I see your location and I doubt walking would work well this time of year!) Or could you take an hour of leave and go in late or leave early one day?

LT, your suggestions are well-thought-out. I will consider them. Thanks.

[Waterloo12345]

Is it worth seeing the doc in the interim to help process the feelings of her being away? Perhaps to help stop the downward slide? Just for that single issue.

[SlumberKitty]

I think it might be worth a phone session. I know phone sessions for me were never as satisfying as seeing her in person (my former T) but it was better than nothing. I hope you find a way to make it work. It just might be enough to get you through. HUGS Kit

[nottrustin]

Can you call her voice mail and mention your concerns of having and not having a phonesession?. Ask her what her
thoughts are. You have worked with her a long time. Perhaps she can help you make an informed decision

[coolibrarian]

Originally Posted by Waterloo12345

Is it worth seeing the doc in the interim to help process the feelings of her being away? Perhaps to help stop the downward slide? Just for that single issue.

I AM seeing my Pdoc. He watches over the meds I take (the ones he gives me, and the ones from other doctors; not all are psychotropic), and he asks me how I'm doing, but it's not really therapy. I see him for about 30 minutes every two weeks.

[Fuzzybear]

[coolibrarian]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

Can you call her voice mail and mention your concerns of having and not having a phonesession?. Ask her what her
thoughts are. You have worked with her a long time. Perhaps she can help you make an informed decision

I sent her an e-mail. That way, if she responds in kind, I don't have to worry about falling apart on the phone, in my office, with no door.

[coolibrarian]

She wrote back. She said, "unless I take a huge downturn, I don’t expect to be back in months. The three months was to wave off new clients that I’m not prepared to take at this time. I meet with the doctor on Friday and will know more about when to come back, but it probably will be weeks, not months.

I’m not sure what to say about phone sessions. You could try one and see what happens. Or if you think it will worsen your ”cravings,” and I’m using that word deliberately, maybe it’s better not to start. I think you’re going to have to feel it out.

Weren’t your speech and other symptoms related to a disease? Unfortunately I don’t remember.

I should know more by Monday [she means NEXT Monday] and communicate it."
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I think what I will do is....have a good cry, and see how I feel after that.

[SlumberKitty]

HUGS Cool....

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by coolibrarian

She wrote back. She said, "unless I take a huge downturn, I don’t expect to be back in months. The three months was to wave off new clients that I’m not prepared to take at this time. I meet with the doctor on Friday and will know more about when to come back, but it probably will be weeks, not months.

I’m not sure what to say about phone sessions. You could try one and see what happens. Or if you think it will worsen your ”cravings,” and I’m using that word deliberately, maybe it’s better not to start. I think you’re going to have to feel it out.

Weren’t your speech and other symptoms related to a disease? Unfortunately I don’t remember.

I should know more by Monday [she means NEXT Monday] and communicate it."
----------------------------------------------------
I think what I will do is....have a good cry, and see how I feel after that.

Oh Cool I am so sorry. Her response didnt seem helpful at all.

[mcl6136]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

Oh Cool I am so sorry. Her response didnt seem helpful at all.

Oh dear. You have been through a whole lot in this journey and it doesn't seem to be heading in a more positive direction.

I certainly understand the work obstacles.

[LonesomeTonight]

It's good that it sounds like it should be weeks instead of months till she'll be back. Maybe give a phone session a try?

[Pennster]

I’m sorry her message wasn’t more helpful. I wonder if you dondecide to do a session, would it work for you to try a video chat? I find them more like a regular session than phone sessions.