Been seeing a therapist for about 9 months. So far, it's been working well. Good rapport/connection, feeling stabilized, working through a lot. Actually like the person, very warm. I have progressed a lot.
However, this same thing keeps coming up. Whenever they take a holiday, they initially say they will be back on one date and will be available for appointments from then. Then they say they will contact me about arrangemenus for appointment following their holiday. Then they don't until after the provisional date is passed. Then there are email saying why they didn't contact as arranged- illness, extended holiday etc. Then a rescheduled appointment time offered, with no flexibility if that's not suitable.
On one level I get it is just human nature to not want to do back to work after holidays. I also know it's not about me. I think the therapist doesn't like letting people down, minimizes time they will be away, overcommits themselves, then just can't drag themselves back "early".
But it's starting to affect the therapeutic relationship, specifically my trust in them is being diminished. I would be fine if they just said "I'm taking two weeks off, I'll see you in x weeks". But I don't like being promised something, then left waiting round for information about it, then being let down.
I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I might be outgrowing this therapeutic relationship.
Do I broach the subject gently, say I've noticed a pattern, it's ok for them to tell me they'll be away for the proper length of time? Do I steer the relationship to a conclusion? Maybe see if there are other therapists in the area who are the next step.