((((erinbear)))

I guess I would first ask you... does he return your calls outside of session times? If so, then even the 5 minutes on the phone are worth the call, regardless of what he says? I know many Ts who don't "encourage" the patient/client to call outside of sessions... as therapy happens IN session. But we all know that crisis intervention DOES take place mostly away from that office!

In a way, he's "requiring" you to do self care. We all have to learn to do that, and it's not easy, and feels terribly alone at times, right?

I'm sorry for your experiences of late, but I'm glad you're still with us. Many ppl go through such times for a while, and then the darkness clears. BTW I am making my way through depression without any meds for it, as I have paradoxical reactions to ADs I couldn't do it without a great T... but while he has never encouraged me to call him, he has always been there for me during those times.

If he hasn't said DO NOT CALL ME I wouldn't push the subject, and if you have to, you have to. If he knows you are trying to manage, he probably won't be angry or upset with you. Besides, if he gets upset, that's his problem.

Good wishes for a better next 6 months!