Can You Contact Your Therapist Between Sessions for Support During Sadness or Distress?

The question of whether it is appropriate to contact your therapist outside of scheduled sessions can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances and the agreement between you and your therapist. This practice, often referred to as brief or emergency contact, should be discussed from the outset of therapy to ensure clarity and comfort for both parties.

Initial Considerations and Policies

During your initial session, it is essential to clarify your therapist's policies regarding outside contact. Some therapists are more permissive, allowing brief interactions via text or email, while others prefer face-to-face encounters for addressing such issues.

A notable practitioner in the field once experienced a period during which out-of-hours emergency calls, usually from individuals considering suicide, were permitted. Despite initial expectations that such access might be misthought or overused, it turned out that the need for emergency availability was minimal, and the practice was eventually discontinued. This highlights the importance of continually evaluating and revising policies based on experience and client feedback.

Methods of Outside Contact and Benefits

For those therapists who are open to brief outside contact, methods such as texts or emails offer convenience and immediacy. However, there are several reasons why some therapists might prefer traditional in-person sessions or face-to-face meetings for these interactions. For instance, therapists like [Your Therapist's Name] prefer clients to bring their writings and drawings to sessions, explaining the thoughts and emotions they experienced in recent days. This method helps maintain the focus and intensity of the therapy sessions and ensures that the client can benefit more from their own emotions and thoughts.

Another advantage of in-person meetings is that therapists can have a broader overview and more nuanced understanding of the client's journey and emotions. Even though emails and texts might seem less energy-intensive, they can inadvertently spread the energy and focus of the session across the week, diluting the intensity and effectiveness of the therapy.

Professional Guidance and Role of the Therapist

It is imperative for clients to discuss their need for outside contact with their therapist. Some therapists might be open to this, and the discussion should revolve around why such outside contact might be beneficial. For instance, if something significant has happened that makes the client’s situation worse, the therapist might offer an additional session, arrange a phone call until the next scheduled session, or suggest increasing the frequency of sessions. The therapist might also facilitate a conversation around finding additional support systems or resources that might help the client.

Conclusion

The appropriateness of contacting your therapist between sessions for support during sadness or distress depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of your issues and the established rapport with your therapist. Establishing clear guidelines and expectations at the start of therapy can help ensure that both you and your therapist are on the same page and can provide the best possible support for your mental health journey.