Seeking emotional support from a therapist between sessions refers to a client reaching out to their therapist outside of their regular scheduled therapy sessions to discuss emotional concerns, seek advice, or simply share their feelings and experiences. This kind of contact is usually allowed in certain therapeutic relationships and is often governed by specific guidelines set by the therapist or therapy practice. It can take various forms, such as phone calls, emails, text messages, or secure messaging platforms.
Here's how the interaction might typically go:
Client Initiates Contact: The client may feel overwhelmed, distressed, or have something important to share, and they choose to reach out to their therapist between sessions. This contact is often initiated by the client, but some therapists may also encourage it under certain circumstances.
Client's Message: The client might send an email, text, or leave a voicemail, briefly stating their reason for contacting the therapist. For example, they may say: "Hi [Therapist's Name], I had a really tough day today and could use some support. Is there a time we could talk?"
Therapist Responds: When the therapist receives the message, they will respond in a manner that aligns with their therapeutic boundaries and the guidelines they have set. The therapist may acknowledge the client's feelings, offer support, and arrange a time to discuss the issue further. For instance: "Hi [Client's Name], I'm sorry to hear that you had a tough day. I'm available for a brief phone call tomorrow at 5 PM if that works for you."
Boundaries and Limits: It's essential to establish clear boundaries around the extent of between-session contact. Some therapists may set specific hours when they are available for these interactions, while others may prefer only non-urgent matters to be discussed outside of sessions. These boundaries help maintain the therapeutic relationship and prevent potential issues related to dependence on constant contact.
Emergency Situations: In the case of a crisis or emergency, the therapist might have a different protocol. They could provide crisis helplines or encourage the client to seek immediate support from local mental health services.
It's crucial for both the therapist and the client to openly communicate about their preferences and expectations regarding between-session contact. Some clients may find that occasional check-ins outside of sessions offer valuable support, while others might prefer to address everything during their scheduled appointments.
It's worth noting that not all therapists allow between-session contact, as it can vary depending on the therapist's therapeutic approach, their availability, and the nature of the client's needs. It's best to discuss this aspect with the therapist during the initial sessions or during the therapy process to clarify the guidelines and ensure both parties are on the same page.