I think a boundary like this can help us keep perspective on what constitutes a true crisis and what we can resolve on our own. In a crisis, the usual T protocol that I've come across is to call the ER. I know that may not be ideal or what many clients want, but it's the reality of outpatient therapy. If ask yourself "do I need to go to the hospital?" and the answer is no, then you'll be ok. You might be very distressed, upset, depressed, but not necessarily in a crisis.

I've been in this postition before when I first started therapy with my pdoc and then my T. I tended to reach out to him during times of distress, but I could only do it during work hours. So if it was a weekend I had to reach out to others. Granted I am lucky in that I have a strong support network in my life. PC has also helped me a great deal. And usually by the time it was ok to call, I didn't need to anymore. So I think that can be very empowering. If you don't have a lot of support it can be motivation to find ways of handling a crisis that doesn't involve your T. PC, group therapy or a support group...whatever resources you can use to help yourself cope when you're in distress.

I have to edit to say that this boundary has been in place since Day 1. This is so important and probably why it doesn't bother me as much. This is great food for thought as a future T, because this back and forth with boundaries can be very harmful from what I've read here. Even with good intentions I think it's irresponsible to give something and take it away without a clear discussion.