Therapists

[daisyduck]

So i was wondering, is it bad to get like emotionally attached to a therapist?

i think that's what's happening to me. it's kind of understandable because she makes me feel safe and i trust her and i think she'll be able to help me, the thing is i'm just so nervous. i have 10 months until i leave for college. I shouldn't be the freaked about losing her. I also should get so freaked out when she cancels and appointment.

i don't know what to do. this is bad. right?

[LeapOfFayth]

I think its perfectly normal for people to get emotionally attached to a therapist. I believe therapists actually get trained on how to deal with people who get too emotionally attached to them.

Just bring it up with her, its good that you've found somebody that you're that comfortable with and seeing as you're that comfortable with her it would only make sense that when you're having a problem with anxiety such as this you would talk with her about it right?

[JellyBean4986]

I don't think its really a bad thing, I think its a hard thing tho and it probably happends alot. I agree with Ricky, you should tell her, because then she can help you deal with it. Changing therapist or leaving therapy can be a hard adjustment, but one she can deffinetly help you with.

[La Tortuga Manuelita]

It sounds like you really trust her and have come to rely on her for support, so it's completely naturally that the thought of not being able to see her upsets you. I'm sure she has dealt with this before so you should bring it up with her. She'll be able to help you make the transition for when you leave to college. Actually, I remember when I was in therapy my therapist warned me ahead of time when I was being transferred to a counsellor and would remind me every appointment and ask me how I felt about it. He told me it's something they are trained to do because they realize that change is difficult for a lot of people in therapy. So, just tell your therapist how you're feeling and I'm sure everything will be alright. If you need any extra support during your transition or when she cancels an appointment just come on teenhelp and we'll be here for you! You can pm me anytime you want to too!

[Le bonheur*]

I think it's natural to become emotionally attached to your therapist.
I'm attached to mine because I was her first patient, she's my first therapist. I trust her, I adore her, she's very helpful to me, and she's very supportive of everything I do. When she told me she's leaving in November to move to Indiana, my heart broke.
So I know how you feel. It's a terrible feeling but unfortunately some therapists do leave and things do come up. I agree with the above posters about talking to your therapist about it, she may be able to help ease your mind about how you're feeling and your fear of losing her support.

[BruceLeeDemarcus]

To me, its not a bad thing. I don't find anything wrong with it. Its not like you can really control your feelings for a person and stuff. So what if you like this person. Be who you are, that's what counts the most.

[Fairy Poppins]

I thought at one point that I actually loved my therapist.

So yeah, it's definitely possible to get attached.

As for whether it's bad; that depends.

I mean you have to feel something for the therapist to be able to open up to them.

However, I don't think it's a good idea to become too dependent on them because, as mentioned, if you/they leave it can be quite traumatic.

Having said that, because you know that the sessions will be coming to an end well in advance, you and your therapist have plenty of time to plan for "the end", so that when it arrives, you are prepared.

[Dr.Bobby]

Hmmmmmm......it's interesting to hear the other side to this.

The short answer to the question is that its only bad if the therapist doesn't know how to deal with or respond to those feelings appropriately and professionally. The longer answers have been well said here by the others..

[PSY]

I am currently in graduate school and learning how to become a therapist. It is COMPLETELY NORMAL to become emotionally attached to your therapist. The relationship you have with your therapist is different from one you have with family members, friends, and other loved ones. Therapists are supposed to give unconditional support in order to help you overcome your difficulties in life.

Like other members said, it's only a bad thing if 1) the therapist doesn't know how to properly handle the situation, or 2) the emotional attachment becomes so powerful that it affects areas of your life in a negative way. I would address this issue as soon as possible with your therapist - during the next session, preferably. Even though you have ten months before leaving for college, it would be a good idea to start planning for that now.