Experiencing abrupt abandonment by a therapist, especially when they have played a significant role in your life and have fulfilled a motherly role due to Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), can be an extremely distressing and challenging experience. Finding closure in such situations can be difficult, but here are some suggestions that might help you cope with the loss and move forward:
Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with the abandonment. It's normal to feel hurt, angry, or confused. Don't judge yourself for having these feelings, as they are a natural response to loss.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or other people you trust to talk about what happened and how you are feeling. Supportive individuals can provide comfort and understanding during this difficult time.
Consider Group Therapy: Look into support groups or group therapy sessions for individuals who have experienced therapist abandonment or CEN. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be comforting and validating.
Write a Closure Letter: Even if you cannot send it, writing a letter to your therapist expressing your feelings and thoughts can be therapeutic. This exercise can help you process your emotions and gain a sense of closure.
Explore Your Emotions: Engage in activities that allow you to explore and express your emotions, such as journaling, art, or mindfulness practices. This can help you gain insight into your feelings and promote healing.
Seek a New Therapist: If possible, consider finding a new therapist to continue your therapeutic journey. While this new therapist may not replace the previous one, they can offer support and guidance as you navigate your emotions and work through the abandonment issues.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself during this time of loss. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend facing a similar situation.
Read about Therapist Abandonment: Educating yourself about therapist abandonment and the impact it can have on clients may help you understand that your feelings are valid and shared by others who have experienced similar situations.
Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial during times of distress.
Consider Professional Help: If the abandonment is causing significant distress and interfering with your daily life, consider seeking support from another mental health professional to help you process and work through these emotions.
Remember that healing from therapist abandonment takes time, and there is no set timeline for finding closure. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this challenging experience, and know that with time and support, you can learn to cope and move forward in your healing journey.