Socially appropriate? I can
I know this sounds like a reeaaally trivial problem Im having, but lets just say my current state of mind does not think as logically as it usually does, so I dont trust my own judgements on certain social decisions right now, and Im too embarrassed to be thinking too much about this small gesture to bring it up with anyone irl.
Something happened to me that caused me to consult with a therapist over a period of 2 months, sometimes coming in twice a week so I saw them very often during that time. I became very attached to them.
After the 2 months I had to leave but because I still had issues lingering I had emailed them a couple of times for consulting. The emails wouldnt contain anything personal or small talk, and would be straight forward. I also responded the same because I understand you gotta be professional.
But because me being attached, i have this big wishful thinking that hopefully we could form a friendship (nothing more) outside of the practice.
I was thinking of sending them a christmas greeting soon, but do you guys think thatll be crossing the boundaries? Itll have been 3 months since I last went in for an appointment, I personally felt the amount of times I went in we got pretty close... or am I delusional? Btw I had to leave due to my relocation, so I wasnt terminated or anything.
Everything is mainly done for a not-so altruistic intention. I gotta admit my intentions are hopefully to prolong the communication and some wishful thinking of having a friendship. I am genuinely grateful for the work that has been done, although Ive already expressed it but dont want to over express it and make it weird.
@Chillicup I agree with @HaileyD01 — go ahead. The therapists I know receive Christmas cards from some of their clients, and they very occasionally form friendships with people who were clients in the past.
I have no idea whether a friendship will eventually result in your case. In a way, I hope that your wishful thinking is not so strong that you'll be terribly disappointed if it doesn't work out, but there can be no harm in trying.
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
@RarelyCharlie @HaileyD01 thanks for your opinions! Glad to know it
@Chillicup Agree with a Christmas card is probably just fine. Keep it simple (Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays) etc.
Whether a friendship forms is another story and you may need to temperyour expectations.
@Chillicup
Counselors/therapists are generally supposed to wait 2 years before having personal relationships with former clients, according to a friend of mine who was once a counselor. So I'd keep things on the professional side for now, and if you want to have a friendship with this person then be respectful of their need to maintain space. Once enough time has passed, you can reach out personally if you still wish to do so. My thoughts, anyway.
@peacefulforest75 oh thanks for letting me know! Does that apply to other medical practioners? Because actually the person I
@Chillicup
IDK about general medical providers. I think it's the mental/confiding issue that's at sake with counselors.
Casual message is probably fine, but ethnically a counselor isn't supposed to have a personal relationship with a client. Not everyone follows that, I'm sure, and if yours isn't a counselor or other mental health provider that might not apply.
i also wonder if the age gap would make it not acceptable? Im 25f and hes 41m... i dont want my gestures to be misconstrued as something else either. Interacting with the opposite gender confused me too much :(
