Dear Client part II

If our Ts could write to us, what do you think they would say?

Thanks for the suggestion to resurrect this thread, Artie.

Hi Lost,

You might feel like you're going around in circles, but I don't get dizzy.
I can't take it from you, and I don't think you want me to...but I can hold it alongside you while we're together.

You don't have to worry about me.

You can put it down, and you won't hurt anyone.

You are safe.

Love,

R

Thanks for the thread, Lost!

Hey Art: I think you want something from me, but I don't know what. I'm not going to try to guess. I'm here if you want to come in and talk, but I'm not going to chase you. Your move.

Dear K,

Our work over the last 8 1/2 years has been meaningful to me. The relationship we've formed has been real. Please don't forget that. You should feel proud of the work you've done and the vulnerability you've shown that have helped
to form this relationship. I'm feeling sad that our relationship is ending and I will miss you and continue to think of you even though we're not meeting any longer.

Love, P

Hi Taylor27

I just wanted to let you know that you are taking a big step by having weekly sessions again. I am honored to be your therapist. Please don't doubt yourself.

Hi Jersey,
The boundaries were a bit blurred and I’m sorry I fostered that unhealthy connection for personal gain. Due to my carelessness enclosed please find the attached check in the amount of $30,000 as reimbursement for all those hours you wasted in my office thinking you were getting quality mental health treatment.

All My Best,

(this is what I want. that will never in a million trillion years happen.)

Hi Art. I thought more about it and remembered what I said, even though I didn't write it in my notes. I told you before, I don't remember what I say, I remember what you say. Duh. But, I am sorry for the things I said that came across as hurtful. I wasn't thinking, I guess. Sometimes I forget to be the therapist because we worked together for such a long time. I wasn't trying to make you quit, even though I suspect that is how you interpreted it, seeing how abruptly you stopped.

I would like the chance to make things right, though, and have a closure session with you that of course I won't charge you for. I admit that I felt a little hurt when you suggested it on the phone in May, and then when I said I didn't need one, you said oh that's okay I guess we don't. Why didn't you tell me the truth, that it was what you wanted and needed? Why do you always try to make it about me?

Anyway, Art, I hope you will call in December before I go on vacation. You know that's why I told you when I'd be out. Right?

Best wishes,

Not sure I'd want her to write to me unless it was in reply to something I'd written first..

I think my old therapist should give me a refund too.

Well Art, that was about the most pathetic voice mail ever. Don't expect to hear back from me. Just go away!

Lost,

You were so brave today.
I'm honoured to support you in whatever you need to do to process this.
It is a process...don't expect it to all go away at once.

It's been building for a long time, like your volcano analogy.

While you're letting go of things, let go of the sense that it's weird.
It feels foreign to you because it is...

I will be with you, and you will be safe.

Love,

R