Is It Okay to Reach Out to My Psychotherapist in a Crisis?

Many individuals find themselves in situations where they are experiencing intense emotions but aren't sure how to handle them. It's a common question whether reaching out to a psychotherapist outside of regular scheduled sessions is appropriate. The answer is generally yes, but it depends on several factors.

Understanding Your Therapist's Schedule

For the sake of clarity and mutual respect, it's important to recognize that therapists have busy schedules. They are not always available to drop everything for a client experiencing a sudden emotional crisis. Outside of routine sessions, therapists may be working on paperwork, meeting with other clients, or spending time with their family and other responsibilities.

Communicating Effectively via Messenger

Most therapists provide various means of communication, such as email or messaging platforms, allowing clients to reach out when needed. Important points to remember:

To the Point: Your message should be concise, focusing on the current issue without lengthy explanations. Specificity: Clearly describe what is happening right now to give the therapist a clear picture. Respect Boundaries: Remember that therapists need downtime to care for themselves and their families. Do not expect an extended back-and-forth conversation.

The therapist will reply when they have a spare moment and may offer immediate support, suggestions for coping, or an emergency appointment if deemed necessary.

Understanding Therapist Boundaries

Each therapist establishes their own guidelines regarding after-hours contact. If responded to, these interactions are often limited to a brief period, such as 10 minutes or less. Some therapists prefer not to be disturbed unless there is a true crisis, as they need time for self-care and personal time.

Journaling and Self-Reflection

Before reaching out, consider journaling your emotions and reflecting on the antecedents. Ask yourself why you feel the way you do in response to a specific trigger. Assess whether the thoughts fueling your emotions are based on truth or conjecture. Engaging in this process can often help reduce emotional intensity.

Timing Is Key

If you feel the need to reach out, consider the timing of your call. If it's after a regular session, it might be more appropriate to wait until your next scheduled appointment. However, if the situation is urgent, a call might be necessary.

During your next session, you can discuss this behavior with your therapist. Reflecting on the experience can help you better understand your emotional triggers and coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

In summary, it's generally acceptable to reach out to your therapist during a crisis. However, it's important to be respectful of their time and boundaries. Utilize the tools they provide, such as messaging platforms, and approach these communications with awareness and restraint.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your therapy sessions are both effective and respectful of everyone's time and well-being.