Question

What should I do? My psychotherapist gave a suggestion and I tried it. I want to share it with her. Should I wait until our session or send her an email briefly?

Answer 1

Deciding whether to wait until your next session or send an email to your psychotherapist depends on the urgency and nature of the suggestion you want to share. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Urgency: If the suggestion is related to your mental or emotional well-being and requires immediate attention, it may be better to send an email to your psychotherapist so they can address it sooner rather than waiting for the next session.

2. Length and Complexity: If the suggestion is brief and straightforward, sharing it via email could be a suitable option. However, if it requires a more in-depth explanation or discussion, it might be better to wait for the session, as it allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the topic.

3. Therapist's Communication Preferences: Some therapists prefer to handle non-emergent matters during scheduled sessions to maintain a balanced therapeutic process. Others might be open to brief email updates between sessions. Consider what you know about your therapist's communication style and preferences.

4. Therapeutic Relationship: Consider the nature of your therapeutic relationship. If you have established a good rapport and trust with your therapist, sharing via email is more likely to be received positively.

5. Client-Therapist Agreement: Some therapists have specific guidelines about communication between sessions, which they discuss with their clients at the beginning of therapy. If such an agreement exists, you should respect it and adhere to the established communication channels.

If you're unsure about the best approach, you can simply ask your therapist during your next session about their preference for sharing updates or suggestions. They will likely appreciate your consideration and openness to following their guidelines.

In any case, remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and sharing your experiences and thoughts is an essential part of that process. Trust your instincts and choose the communication method that feels most comfortable for you while also considering the factors mentioned above.