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I've been going to therapy consistently for almost ten or so years now. My t and I have been slowly easing off to two sessions a month lately. I"ve decided to take a month long hiatus from therapy in order to pay off some bills. Due to my car situation, etc. I have some financial obligations that really need to be elimated before I attempt to move to Denver and hopefully grad school. I am scared and I am nervous to be honest, but both my t and I think I am strong enough and stable enough to take a hiatus. I spend $400 a month in therapy, so that extra $400 combined with a hopefully decent tax return will allow me to elimate all my current debt.

I feel different things: pride that I've gotten to a point where I am relying more on myself rather than a t; I feel nervous that my structure of going to therapy won't be there. When you have had that structure for almost ten years, it feels really uncomfortable to have it not there. In order to minimize that feeling, my plan for the next month in regards to therapy is to set aside an hour on Thursday night to review skills, and do therapy-oriented stuff. I also feel glad that by doing this, it will allow me to be debt-free.


Hmmm .... just processing. Thanks for listening

Wow, Pip, that really sounds wonderful (even if it is anxiety producing!)!

I'm impressed that you are able to not only see the good in taking this hiatus, but have developed a plan that sounds like it will help you kinda be your own therapist during this month. I really think it's a great idea! I think it's really key to be sure to stay in a therapeutic/recovery-oriented mode, even without your therapist, and will serve to alleviate some of that nervousness. Feel the fear and do it anyway, right? Also.....once you do (and I have no doubt you will with flying colors!) get through this month therapy-free (or do-it-yourself-therapy as the case may be).....well, WOW, that just seems like it could be such a real confidence-builder! Not to mention that monkey that will get off of your back once those bills are taken care of......

Pride and self-reliance can be such a good feeling. I hear you that you are nervous as well......but I find when I have two perhaps conflicting emotions, I can chose which one to give more of my energy. I choose the positive way of looking at things, or at least I usually do. I really think this month sans therapy will be so good for you in so many ways. I applaud your courage and fortitude to take this step!!

Thank you H for the validation and support!

Props from me, too, pip.

It can definitely be scary to not have that weekly (or however often) check-in. But like Harmonium said, it can really be confidence-building and liberating to make it through and know you can rely on yourself to get over the inevitable bumps in the road.

When I've had to take breaks from therapy, whatever the reason, I've found it helpful to me to sort of imagine an invisible mini version of my T riding around on my shoulder. She walks along with me, quietly observing how I'm doing, and if she sees me hitting a rough patch she whispers in my ear. I try to think of what she'd say, and what her voice would sound like. It can calm me down when I feel anxious, and carry me through 'til the next time I meet with her. I hope eventually I'll be comfortable totally stopping therapy for an extended (or forever!) period, but until then that's what I'll do.

Sari,

That is a fabulous idea about carrying your t on your shoulder! I am going to utilize that one as well I think. It is definitely a great coping mechanism. Thank you!