Useful methods of distraction?

But beware that you het obsessed with the distraction eg playing chess online. I spend about 8 hours a day doing that now! Moderation in everything 

Yes good point, at this point though I'd much rather be obsessed with chess as at least it doesn't have direct implications on the other person (i.e. the one I'm emailing!)

OCD/obsessive behaviors can increase 'at rest,' meaning you're in your head, not engaging with someone or someone. That could be one reason why it's so hard---plus you're waiting for engagement & didn't you say you no longer see this person? My OCD gets worse at rest. If/when they respond, how does affect you? Feel free to ignore if you're not comfortable answering that.

To be born again takes courage, that is for sure. There is no religion involved in that. It's all natural. 

Thank you! Just downloaded a new game and will start learning to play chess soon!

I understand. I believe in you!

I think the idea of a letter is avery good idea. I think I've reached some closure with her for now as we've agreed I will not email her for 3 months. The challenge will be getting through this 3 months without suddenly feeling anxious and reverting back to emailing!

Hi TenaciousD, thank you, it's very helpful for me to talk about as it's something I've had to keep hidden for so long (my obsessive tendencies towards reassurance). I do indeed have attachment problems, and the mental health professional in question knows about this... she said it's an anxious attachment style. I was so sad that I can no longer have appointments with her. I've always been allowed to email her so I've just continued doing this despite the appointments ending and although she tries to reply with helpful responses she says she won't give me any advice at the moment because she thinks doing so would make it harder for me to stop emailing her. The aim is that I stop emailing her completely!

That could be really helpful, thanks!

That could be really helpful, thanks!