I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a distressing situation. It's completely understandable that you feel devastated and confused after being terminated by your therapist, especially after having such a long and consistent therapeutic relationship.
While I don't have access to the specific details of your situation, I can offer some general insights into why a therapist might decide to terminate a client over a billing error or related issues:
Ethical and legal reasons: Therapists are bound by ethical guidelines and legal requirements when it comes to handling billing and financial matters with clients. If there was a billing error or issue that couldn't be resolved and it conflicted with these guidelines, it may have led to the termination.
Professional boundaries: Therapists must maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains focused on the client's needs and well-being. Sometimes, financial issues can create boundary challenges that a therapist might find difficult to navigate.
Personal reasons: Therapists, like anyone else, may face personal challenges or changes in their own lives that impact their ability to continue working with a client. These reasons might be unrelated to you as an individual or the therapeutic relationship.
Miscommunication or misunderstanding: There's a possibility that there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding regarding the billing issue, and it inadvertently led to the termination.
Licensing or insurance issues: Therapists need to comply with licensing requirements and insurance regulations, and if there were issues related to these, it could have influenced the decision.
Regardless of the reason for the termination, it's natural to feel hurt, upset, and abandoned, especially if your therapist has been a significant source of support during a challenging time in your life. It's essential to acknowledge and process these emotions.
If you feel comfortable doing so, consider reaching out to your therapist to seek clarification on the situation. It's possible that there was a misunderstanding or that the issue can be resolved. If that's not possible or you do not receive a satisfactory explanation, it might be helpful to seek support from a new therapist to work through your feelings and continue your therapeutic journey.
Remember, it's essential to find a therapist who you feel comfortable and safe with, and who can offer you the support you need during difficult times. If you're struggling to cope with the termination, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or other support systems while you search for a new therapist.