Dear All
I’m writing to you to explain why I have been unavailable for the past several weeks and to let you know what is happening now and in the future.
I caught the ‘flu just after Christmas and this turned into bronchial pneumonia; fortunately mild but still debilitating. The symptoms were exacerbated by a disease I contracted while working in SE Asia a few years ago. Additionally, I also recently experienced a cardiac problem leading to a visit to A&E. I also have a few other long-standing health issues. Individually, all these are minor but collectively they mean that my energy levels and ability to be dependable are impacted.
The consequence of all this is that I haven’t really been consistent in attending work and being present for my clients. This will continue for the next few months.
Fortunately, I am on the mend and will soon return to good health.
Subsequently, with much thought and consultation about balancing my clients needs and my own needs, I decided to take some time out and allow myself to recover fully. I have set, provisionally, 1 April 2018 as my re-starting date.
I understand how the act of reaching out to a therapist and then attending therapy is an important move and one not usually taken lightly. Underneath this decision and this action is an unacceptable level of sufferingI also understand that we have developed a therapeutic working relationship and it takes time, effort and a certain amount of discomfort to open up to a stranger and begin to trust. I’m aware that, for many, trust has been damaged in the past and being abandoned is an all to common theme for many. I hope that my decision does not exacerbate the reasons you came to be in the first place.
The options now are to find a new therapist or wait until my return. If you do want another therapist, I can help with this and recommend someone for you. If you decide to wait, I will let you know around mid-March if and when I will return. It is likely I will work less hours on my return.
I hope this finds you well.
With kindest regards
Brian