Uncomfortable interactions with ex-therapist

Hi everyone,

I feel like I need a bit of guidance about something that has been bothering me..

Before I started seeing my current psychologist, I saw another therapist for a while until she abruptly left the clinic, and the only available other therapist there told me that my complex trauma was too complex for her to handle and that I would need to seek help elsewhere. It felt like I was basically pushed out the door after just starting to feel comfortable there. Thankfully, I’m now seeing a much more experienced psychologist and feel well supported.

The issue now is that my ex-therapist works at the same university I attend. During our last session she told me she would be working there, and we agreed that if we saw each other we would just say hello so it wouldn’t be awkward. However, since then the interactions have felt uncomfortable for me, and I’ve run into her multiple times and she always approaches me first, gives me long hugs, and talks to me very casually, almost like we are friends. One time she even asked me to join her for a stroll, and then one time she introduced me to some of her co-workers.

It also makes me uncomfortable because a classmate, I know is her current client, often seems to be around when she shows up. One time my classmate approached my ex-therapist and I while we were talking and asked how we knew each other. My ex-therapist didn’t say anything, and I felt extremely vulnerable in that moment. I ended up saying that she was a family friend. I didn’t really want to say that, but I felt I had to protect my privacy. Later on, when we were alone, I expressed that I felt very vulnerable and didn’t want my classmate to know, as I wanted to keep my story private. She agreed that I handled it well, but honestly, I wish she had stepped in and protected me from being put in that situation in the first place.

Recently I ran into her again, and she approached me to talk. Then, unbelievably, the same classmate appeared again out of nowhere and joins our conversation. The timing honestly is starting to feel a bit spooky..

Is this normal behaviour from a former therapist, or am I overreacting? I’m starting to feel uncomfortable to the point where I want to avoid her or even take a different path if I see her around campus. I’m not really sure what the best way to handle this is... ☹️