I actually have less issues with emailing my T than with phone or in person conversations...because I have time to really think about what I'm trying to say. Emailing started because my T asked me to do so...I was struggling with something, told my T I would think about what she'd discussed, and she asked me if I would email her later. Several times, after sessions, my T would ask me to either call or email her with an update...I prefer email and my T is good with that. She has suggested that I can text her as well, if needed, but to me, that feels too casual, and I'm not comfortable with it.

Now, I usually use email to process a session. My T always replies, usually with words of encouragement. I also use email to let T know when there's something I want to discuss but am uncomfortable bringing it up in session...she will then bring it up in session and prompt me to talk about it. I understand that my T will not do therapy over email, and I don't expect her to. She understands that I find it helpful to communicate with her in this way, and she knows that I understand the limitations of this form of communication.

I think for some people, email can be very useful...for others, not so much. I think there has to be an understanding between T and client as to what will and will not be dealt with through email, what frequency of emailing is allowable, and when replies can be expected.