What to Do When Your Therapist Is on Vacation

It’s completely normal to feel a ripple of anxiety, or even frustration, when you hear your therapist is taking some time off. Therapy can become a grounding part of your weekly rhythm. So when that routine shifts, you may suddenly feel untethered.

If you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone. And it makes sense.

Breaks in therapy can stir up feelings of abandonment, worry about losing progress, or concern that support won’t be available when you need it. The good news? There are grounding ways to take care of yourself during this time.

Here are some supportive reminders and tips for navigating therapy breaks with compassion toward yourself.

1. Remember: therapy breaks are normal

Just like you need rest, therapists do too. Time away helps therapists return more present, grounded, and able to support you. It doesn’t mean you’re forgotten or that your progress is paused.

Therapy is bigger than each session. It’s a continuous process unfolding inside you even outside the therapy room.

2. Identify feelings that come up

Give yourself permission to notice and name what you're feeling: disappointment, anxiety, abandonment, relief, resentment, sadness.

There’s no “right” feeling here.

You might ask yourself:

• - What about the break feels hard?

• - What does this remind me of?

• - What do I need during this time?

Being curious, not judgmental, can turn this into an opportunity for reflection and insight.

3. Use the coping strategies you’ve learned in session

You likely already have tools, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. This might be a time to gently practice them:

• - Breathwork

• - Affirmations

• - Grounding exercises

• - Journaling

• - Cognitive reframing

• - Somatic awareness

• - Boundary setting

Think of this break as a soft rehearsal for using skills independently.

4. Plan support in advance

If you know your therapist will be away, talk ahead of time about:

• - backup coverage or crisis contacts

• - what situations to reach out for help

• - coping plans for emotionally heavy days

• - scheduling upcoming appointments

Knowing there’s a plan can ease anxiety while they’re gone.

5. Reach out to supportive people

Even if it feels vulnerable, leaning into safe relationships can reduce distress. Consider:

• - a trusted friend

• - a partner

• - family

• - community organization

• - support group

It’s okay to ask for connection when you need it.

6. Show yourself compassion

You’re navigating this pause. That takes resilience.

Try sending yourself the same compassion you’d extend to a friend:

• “It’s okay to feel unsettled.”

• “This is temporary.”

• “I’m still growing, even right now.”

Your healing isn’t dependent on constant contact—it lives in you.

A final reflection from A Licensed Therapist

Just as the ocean has rhythms of waves and stillness, therapy has movement and pauses. Breaks can feel uncomfortable, but they can also reveal how capable you are of holding yourself gently.

If you’re struggling between sessions or during therapist vacations, please know you’re not alone. With preparation, support, and self-compassion, you can stay connected to your healing, even when your therapist is away.





Please Note: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be mental health therapy, diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for professional therapeutic services. Viewing this site or communicating through it does not establish a therapist–client relationship.

If you are seeking mental health services, please contact a licensed professional in your area or reach out directly to inquire about starting therapy. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency services or crisis hotline immediately.