Question

I think my therapist has ghosted me. Everything has been fine, I got sick and did not go to therapy for two weeks and I had reached out to schedule an appointment and he said he will call to set a time up. Never called. So I texted him again and said he will text me the next day to set something up. Never texted. I texted one more time and no response. I’m so confused, I’m not sure what to do. I feel like I reached out too much already. Did my therapist just ghost me?

Answer 1

It's essential to keep in mind that therapists are also human and may have personal reasons for not responding immediately. However, if you've made several attempts to reach out and haven't received a response over an extended period, it's reasonable to feel concerned and confused.

Here are some steps you can consider taking:

1. Be patient: Give your therapist a bit more time to respond, especially if they have been reliable in the past. Sometimes, life circumstances can interfere with a therapist's ability to respond promptly.

2. Check their policies: If your therapist has specific policies regarding communication or vacations, refer to those guidelines to see if they have any information about their availability during this time.

3. Reach out one more time: If you haven't heard back after waiting for a reasonable period, you can try reaching out one more time. Keep your message polite and concise, expressing your concern about not having heard back and your desire to reschedule the appointment.

4. Consider alternatives: If you still don't receive a response, it may be time to explore other options. You can consider looking for another therapist or reaching out to your current therapist's supervisor or practice manager to seek clarification.

5. Reflect on the therapeutic relationship: If you do eventually get a response and decide to continue therapy, it may be helpful to address your concerns and feelings of confusion during your next session. An open and honest discussion about communication expectations can contribute to a more effective therapeutic relationship.

6. Take care of yourself: While waiting for a response or considering alternatives, make sure to prioritize your mental health and well-being. If needed, talk to friends, family, or support networks to share your feelings and experiences.

Remember, it's essential to feel comfortable and supported in therapy. If you find that this situation is negatively impacting your mental health, consider seeking support from other sources or professionals who can help you navigate this situation.