I'm curious as to how other T's handle their phones while in session with a client.

My T and marriage counselor have different ways of handling this. My T keeps her cell phone off and in her purse across the room and her office phone on Do Not Disturb (DND). Her cell has rung once or twice in session, and she's immediately apologized and turned it off without looking at it.

My marriage counselor, on the other hand, keeps his cell in his pocket with the ringer on (though his office phone is on DND). If he gets a text or phone call while he's in session with us, he'll sometimes ignore it, but other times say, "I just need to look at the number." He's explained that a couple times by saying, "I have a few potential emergencies brewing." I find it rather jarring, because I'm nervous he'll have to end the appointment early, and if not, it will take his mind away from our session briefly.

One time about a year ago, he did have to step into the hallway briefly at the start of session to respond to a text, but I know that involved something personal with a family member's health, so I was OK with it. But last week, he got a phone call right at the start of session. He glanced quickly at the number, then a few seconds later, the same number called back. He said he didn't know the number (so: client) but that he'd better answer because they called twice in a row. Answered saying, "This is [Dr. MC]. I'm in session. Is this an emergency?" I assume the caller said "yes," because he stepped out into the courtyard and shut the door, then came back 1-2 minutes later, shaking his head (I suspect it was not in fact an emergency) and apologizing.

This DID bother me. Because it felt like he was prioritizing another client over the people who were sitting in front of him. Granted, we had just sat down, but I wonder if we were in the middle of a particularly intense session, would he have still answered? I admit that part of me is like, "Well, that's good in a way, to know that he'd be there if I needed him in an emergency, even if he's in session." But mostly, it upset me. I think it triggered some abandonment fears, too (for those who don't know, I've had some strong paternal--and at one point erotic--transference for MC, so I know that plays a role).

I'm debating bringing this up with him and am curious as to how other T's handle phone calls/texts during session. And how you feel about it. Please take the poll and explain more if you like!