[Dinah]

So sad.

I wonder how they'll deal with it on Monk? I know I'd be laid up for far more than a season if my therapist died, or left (abandoned me). And Mr. Monk has already demonstrated that.

And strangely enough, since I always say he's the TV therapist that reminds me most of my own, I'm having all sorts of strange fears about my own therapist. He's been looking tired and stressed. And he never looked as fit and trim and tan and healthy as Dr. Kroger. Although they both dressed very nicely and had shiny shoes and just-cut hair.

I feel so sad, considering that I know Dr. Kroger is just a character, and I've never met Mr. Kamel.

[PsyChris]

I'm sure you have reassured yourself that your therapist is not going to die. If you need help coming with reasons to support that I'll be happy to provide some.

[HALLIEBETH87]

are you serious??? wha-wha-what happened?

[Kiya]

sorry - i have no idea who dr. kroger is, but i am sorry you're feeling bad and scared.

i think it is a valid feeling - knowing we're attaching to someone. no one lives forever and if they are older (i think) it makes such fears more present. I worry about that with my t as well. She looks tired and a lot older than say my mom who is actually a year older than t. Or i worry she'll retire and leave me stranded. But I have to say it is common for me to wonder about her dying every single session. =( I think we just have to trust that they'll be with us as long as they can and to put it aside.
Hope you can let the fear go a little.
((((((((((((dinah)))))))))))
kiya

[Perna]

The new season isn't until July 18 and they've already done the episodes for that so you'll see Dr. Kroger the rest of this year, for sure. Look at the videos with Kamel about the new season and his favorites.

http://video.usanetwork.com/player/?id=153535

I'm sure they'll just phase him out, have Monk go to a new therapist for a reason off screen. Kamel had a heart attack and was 65.

[jbug]

Having gone through having a therapist die. It is very hard and I'm still not done dealing with it. I can't help but compare my current T with my old one and I really liked my old one. I miss Steve terribly and wouldn't wish it on anyone even a T.V. character.

Jbug

[gimmeice]

I was also very saddened by this news.

[Dinah]

Thanks. Yes, I do know that it's a silly thought.

But irrational fears are by definition irrational.

I wonder if magical thinking is part of OCD as a whole, or just mine.

[Dinah]

Thanks, Perna.

I watched several of those videos.

I always suspected he had some experience with therapists. He did such a great job of playing one. (And I'd love to have that office view with the waterfall.)

[Dinah]

I'm a big fan of Monk, and only partly because Dr. Kroger reminds me of my therapist. There was an hilarious episode that I have always wanted to bring in and show my therapist. Dr. Kroger retires (for that episode), and Monk is so distraught that he does all the things I'd think of doing if my therapist retired, even though of course I'd never do it.

I've gotten better about worrying about my therapist most of the time. He's five years older than I am, and neither of us are in good shape. But he's promised to try to outlive me.

Still, every once in a while I get reminded and worried.

[Dinah]

I can't even imagine.

What a traumatic experience that would be. Was it sudden?

I think after all this time, it would be like another parent dying to me.

[ECHOES]

The actor died? He is a long-time favorite of mine and I was so glad to see him again on Monk.

[Dinah]

Unfortunately. They reported he was found in his home, and that he had died of a heart attack.

[ECHOES]

that is so sad. i'll miss him on Monk, he was a great T.