Maintaining a sense of contact with the patient during therapist absences

The problems that therapist absences cause patients are discussed, and methods to handle such absences are illustrated by case examples. It is pointed out that breaks in appointments may be stressful for both patient and therapist, but they also can be viewed as an integral part of therapy. The creative use of task assignments during absences furthers treatment goals. Often positive results accrue as patients learn to deal with separation and discover that they can function independently of the therapist.