Good things almost always wait until appointments. I'm not going to call him for the birth of a great nephew, a promotion (kind of unheard of in the educational world anyway), excitement over a trip or even winning the lottery. The only exception would be if the good news pertained specifically to the resolution of a problem that had had me in a crisis or stressed earlier that we had discussed in session, particularly when he has asked me to let him know how things turned out.

With the bad things, it depends on if the situation is one that has me in personal crisis mode or if it is simply a crappy situation that can wait to discuss later.

For instance, an emergency like when my son was hospitalized definitely warranted an immediate phone call. The day we realized my sister's death was imminent within the next 24 hours -- phone call--needed the support. Being emergency admitted for surgery--phone call--he would have been unhappy if I hadn't let him know what was going on.

However, other things I take on a case by case basis: Our pastor's son dying--while upsetting, it could wait for session. Suicide of a former student--also okay to wait for session; I was managing it well enough to wait. Daughter of rapist contacting me via Facebook about the death of her father on the other hand--wasn't coping well with that one--warranted a phone call.

I try not to abuse phone privileges. He knows if I call that I really am in need of his support/input/help; I don't call often, and he knows I try to use what he has taught me to manage my stress/depression, etc. So if he hears from me outside of a session, he knows the situation truly warrants contact.