How Would You Want Your Therapist to Respond if They Were on Vacation?

Missing a therapist while they're on vacation is a common sentiment among patients. Would you want them to reach out and express that they still care about you? Here's how one patient would like to receive such a message:

Expressing Missed Connection

I’d want her to email saying that she’s still here, she is coming back, she still cares that I am not alone, she understands how difficult these breaks are for me, that she is still thinking of me, and that she is sorry. That last one, I really want to hear from her.

Despite my therapist going on vacation after Christmas, she did send me two voice messages. I love my therapist, and her efforts reassure me, even though the messages are meant to be professional communication.

Professional Boundaries and Missed Feelings

While I would genuinely like to hear 'I missed you too,' it’s realistic to understand that they may not. One-sided communication is understandable. She did divert the conversation to discuss how I was during her away times, as well as the challenges she faced. I was not thrilled about her vacations at the time.

Now, three years later, there is no contact. I can still visit her blog, see her pictures, and read her writings. Exposure therapy, as described to me, involves observing how I react, whether I cry, get angry, or experience any negativity. While I am doing well, I still cannot bring myself to listen to her videos. I am not there yet.

Even though I thought I wouldn't survive the uncertainty, I did. Today, assuming I could encounter her given our proximity, I still want to hear from her that she missed me and a hug. In life, we all need to know and hear that we mean something to someone. She has touched my life, and I have greatly missed her.

The Awkwardness of Professional Relationships

Missing a therapist while they're on vacation is awkward, much like walking into McDonald’s and telling the cashier, 'I missed you while you were gone.' You feel a connection because you discuss personal issues, but you need to realize that they are at work and being paid to be there. This is similar to how you would act in a professional setting.

Therapists are trained to handle such boundaries, as it is a common occurrence. It’s a sign of a strong, caring relationship, but one that needs to be recognized and respected in a professional context.