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Re: email contact after term - ever friends ok? » gardenergirl

Posted by Lonely on September 25, 2004, at 20:58:11

In reply to email contact after termination, posted by gardenergirl on July 21, 2004, at 23:56:47

Hi ~~~

Just had one more thought/question that I'd like to pose if I may.

My T that died was always talking about "boundaries" which I noticed is going through your mind a great deal too. I'm wondering ... is it ever okay to become real true personal friends with someone that one once knew as a T?

Under some circumstances, I really think it would be okay. I'm not talking about a sexual relationship here - rather, just plain being friends and doing the things together friends would do - shop, go to a play, have lunch together, take them to the doctor when they're sick, etc.

Before my # 1T died, I went to another T one time as a consultant because the #1 T and I were not getting along well. The #2 T also happens to be my husband's T so of course that relationship cannot go on in any form. However, at the memorial for my #1 T, the #2 T was very kind to me, came up to me, hugged me and explained who the other people were there. It was a major humane help and I needed that. Some day, if my hubby died or was no longer seeing her for a period of time, I'd like to be friends with her.

Sorry for my babbling. Best of luck as you continue on!


> Hello,
> I just wanted to ask for some input on contact between therapist and client after termination. I received an email today from a former client. It was lovely to hear from her, and she seems to be doing well. This client was someone I worked with all year during my placement, and I enjoyed working with her. Termination was difficult for me with her, as I was aware that I would want to know how she does in the future.
>
> She also had become somewhat dependent for the majority of our working together, but had worked through some of that before termination. Termination happened because she was ready, but also because of the end of my placement at the agency. When we terminated, I used a model set forth by one of my professors, saying, "I would always enjoy hearing from you and how you are doing, but I may not be able to respond to contacts, once our therapy relationship ends." I'm not sure I am totally invested in this approach, but I did try it on for size.
>
> Anyway, I would like to reply, but I am a tiny bit concerned that it could trigger some of the dependency. On the other hand, it could reinforce her internalization of her therapist which helps her with moving forward indpenendently.
>
> What do y'all think? If you've contacted your former T's in the past, have they responded? If they did or did not, how did that feel? What were you looking for in the contact?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> gg


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poster:Lonely thread:368821
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040925/msgs/395067.html