What is what to do when your therapist abandons you?

It can be incredibly distressing and damaging when a therapist abruptly ends the therapeutic relationship without proper notice or a reasonable explanation. This is often referred to as abandonment. Here's what you can do:

• Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself to feel the anger, sadness, betrayal, or confusion that arises. Abandonment can trigger past trauma or attachment wounds.

• Attempt to contact your therapist: If possible, reach out to your therapist to seek clarification. This may not always be possible or fruitful, but it's worth a try. You can ask for their reasons for terminating the relationship and request referrals to other therapists.

• Seek support from friends and family: Talking to trusted individuals about your experience can provide emotional support and validation.

• Find a new therapist: Prioritize finding a new therapist as soon as you are ready. This is crucial for continuing your therapeutic journey and processing the abandonment experience. Look for a therapist who specializes in trauma or attachment issues, as appropriate. Here's a link about how to find%20a%20new%20therapist: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/find%20a%20new%20therapist

• Consider filing a complaint: If you believe your therapist acted unethically or negligently, you may consider filing a complaint with the relevant licensing board or professional organization. The specific process varies by location and profession (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling). Document everything, including dates, times, and details of the abandonment. Here's a link on filing%20a%20complaint%20against%20a%20therapist: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/filing%20a%20complaint%20against%20a%20therapist

• Focus on self-care: Practice self-care strategies to manage your emotions and cope with the distress. This could include exercise, mindfulness, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies.

• Understand your rights: Be aware of your rights as a patient. Therapists have ethical and legal obligations to provide adequate notice and referrals when terminating therapy.

• Process the trauma: In your new therapy, dedicate time to processing the experience of abandonment. Exploring the impact of this event on your trust, attachment patterns, and overall well-being is essential for healing. Here's a link on processing%20the%20trauma: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/processing%20the%20trauma