Quote:
Originally Posted by Nammu
A great reminder! They do deserve their time off. As for they should not go into that line of work if they don't want to be available 24/7 I think that would leave very few therapists in the field. The client doesn't have to take care of the T but they should be mindful and first try to use their coping skills first.
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I wish my T was available 24/7!
I do believe it is the job of the T to set the boundaries.
Mine is literally only available during office hours, three days a week. Evenings and weekends are her own (although she often works into the early evening on those days) and vacations are completely her time. She doesn't do texts or email. I can call her voicemail whenever, but she is clear that she will only check and return calls when she is in the office. We have pretty much daily check-ins when she is working, so that's our compromise.
I don't really understand why any T's have 24/7 (or near that) availabilities anyway. If it's a true emergency, there are always crisis lines and emergency numbers, or the hospital. As much as I would love for my T to talk to me when I feel in crisis mode, I also get that by her having her boundaries, I learn that I will survive the crisis. And if I won't, then I need to access emergency professionals.
That said, though, I don't blame the client if they utilize a high amount of out of session contact. If the T allows that, it's their choice. I think it isn't the best idea for many reasons, but who am I, really. Maybe just someone jealous that I can't do the same?