Ending Therapy

Well, I just had the last session with my therapist two weeks ago. She had to got to another job. It is really hard but I am happy that I got her when I did. I doubt I'd be as well off as I am now.

I'm in a Assisted Living and at times have not been able to leave my room because of fear, anxiety, panic...some founded other unfounded. I've gradually improved in the last six months and now go out almost daily and enjoy myself at the gym or AA meetings. It's been almost five years since I've been out around the general population and in an AA Meeting. Had a stroke and sickness started 5 yrs ago.

I'm just getting use to being out with these people and have not actually made any close friendships, just group recognition, with many of same people I see a few times per week. So I was not feeling ready to give up therapy with her. I thought I could use the safe feeling I had with her to run my issues through as they came up. Also, she was very supportive and at times seemed more happy than I at the improvements happening with me and my ability to function in a much better happier life.

So...darn, I cannot figure out how I could possibly not miss her and feel even bad at times. Mostly I'm OK with my growth and trusting myself so far but have been irritated by the littlest things and not taking any flack off anyone. Seems my underlying urge is to make sure I take good care of myself. Good idea but, I am handling it in to stressful manner or whatever.
A bit part of the stress is being locked into this living situation and unable to choose doctors or even another therapist if I wanted one. I am working slowly on this. Trying somewhat to be grateful I'm not on the street and do have a doctor and don't actually need another therapist.

I guess I just wanted to share the fact that there are real people therapists that do more than take our money. I've been fortunate to have had three other therapist year ago that were also good. Yep, I became attached to all of them, but 50 years ago I didn't have trouble ending therapy when I was ready because I had a life then.

Now, the limitations on my time out around real people I can make friends with and the majority of time in this living situation where I cannot make friends since all staff and caregivers are bound by ethics to not get personally involved and other tenants like myself and not wanting to or cannot communicate about stuff that interests me.

It sounds like therapy has really helped you and you've done so well in being able to reach a point of coping better with your very difficult life situation and even feel stronger in making choices over what you might need. But I understand how the restrictions of that same situation mean that you wish you could still have carried on seeing her. It is really hard to make friendships when you have a disability and it's understandable you would miss the personal time with t. I hope things do get easier for you as you get to know more people and hopefully develop closer ties.

Thanks for the understanding reply and Hugs also.

I've lost a few other care givers that helped me a lot and one of my doctors told me it takes about 3 months to break a habit, stop missing them so much. Remembering is always good but the actual pain can leave just anytime, sooner than later.

My Therapist said the one thing that kept me going, regardless of what has happened is my Courage. True I think too, Now for a good movie.

Hi Roamer, Hi, from down here in NorCal. Every once in a great while I "meet" someone online who is an inspiration to me. You are truly walking the walk that you talked.

Thank you for your post - and I agree. I saw a therapist many years ago through the VA (my husband is a veteran), no cost. The therapy was outstanding.The therapist I'm seeing now, no charge. She's incredible.
Take good care and stop in when you can.