Today, my therapist brought up discontinuing our therapy sessions, citing that I am doing well. I felt an instantaneous resistance to the idea. I had been seeing a therapist every week or two for nine years. When she left the organization, I was given a new therapist, Margie. I connected with her right away. She has a wonderful lightness about her. I’ve been seeing her regularly for about six months or so.
When we started talking about ending our sessions, I had to admit to myself that I don’t really need them. I am doing well – very well. My bipolar symptoms have been relatively stable for quite some time with the increase in psych meds. I still have mania and depression, but the highs and lows are not so intense; they are manageable. As for my PTSD symptoms, I have many coping skills I have learned to help me work through them. While I spend much of my time alone writing, I am no longer isolating. I am alone by choice, not because I get into a funk or don’t want to be around people.
My first thought when Margie brought up the subject was Whom will I talk to when times get rough? But I now have a handful of close friends with whom I meet for lunch or coffee, people with whom I can share what’s going on with me, people who can understand and empathize. It’s been this way for a couple of years. So, I wonder, have I been using therapy as a crutch? Probably. But that’s okay. I have been doing what I’ve grown accustomed to, taking comfort in the familiar. My therapist said I can always call her and make an appointment if I feel the need. She even told me to call her just to say hello and let her know how I’m doing.
I have come a long way in my healing and need to acknowledge this. I know what tools to use if I get triggered. I know to pick up the phone and talk to one of my friends if I am struggling. So, on with the next phase of my life. No more therapist. I’m okay with that.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
I Walk with a Limp 
I am glad things are going well for you. I think it is great that you feel ready to stop therapy. I have not come to this place yet but I am asking the question on whether I am using therapy as a crutch. It just really helps me process the intensity of living with health challenges. Good luck to you. Look forward to hearing about your next phase of your life.
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She brought it up and it was decided to be discontinued all in the same day?
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Yes. She felt that I have all the tools I need to work through any issues that arise, but told me to feel free to call her if I’m struggling and I would be able to get in to see her. I agreed with her that I don’t NEED therapy, at least not right now. It’s just been nice to check in with her every couple of weeks. I will definitely call her if I ever have a hard time.
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It is a testament to you and the work you have successfully achieved. Bravo!
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Thank you! Sometimes it feels like a few steps forward and one step back, but that’s probably going to be the case for a long time. Still a long way to go but I have made a lot of progress over the years. Thanks so much for your support! 🙂
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This is huge! First great job on coming so far with your healing Bravo! Its so sudden to stop therapy with no notice or easing back on sessions, but I trust you and your therapist had a good session around it, and it soumds like you can reach out to her if you need support. So that’s really good!
Celebrate how far you’ve come. Im really happy for you! 😃❤️💐
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Thank you. It’s going to be weird not seeing a therapist; I have been doing it for so long, but I have some great friends with whom I can talk should the need arise. it feels good for me to acknowledge to myself that I have come a long way in my healing. Thanks so much for your support! 💖
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You Rock!!
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Right back atcha! 😃💖
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