Posted by 10derheart on December 18, 2004, at 23:50:13
In reply to Re: How did y'all lose your therapists?, posted by Dinah on December 18, 2004, at 3:28:02
That's true, this was a long-planned move for my T. and his wife. And I knew for 9 months before. He's been very candid since about his poor training in termination in general, and lack of experience with clients becoming bonded. (In this military setting, I'd venture to say 90 - 95% of people he saw were short term, as in 2-6 sessions total.) But he was careful about telling all his individual and group clients immediately when he knew the date he'd be leaving. He remarked once he didn't understand other T's who kept it quiet and "sprung" it on their clients later. He also brought it up often and openly in group and one-on-one. One time, his mention of leaving sparked a deep discussion of death, separation and loss of therapists in general. It went on for three group sessions. It was draining but actually quite helpful, IMO. Interestingly, two members (6 total at that time) never returned after the topic came up the first time. Anyway, not sure if there's much else he could have done to ease things. Except to push me harder to talk about my feelings. I was a mess and couldn't speak much last month or so.
Thanks for asking and wanting to get a clearer picture of differnt circumstances. It's big one and not your favorite to imagine, I know. - 10der (<stole the shorter form from you- I like it :)
poster:10derheart
thread:430941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041218/msgs/431515.html