I think it all depends on you. I've often times sent emails about sensitive topics that I knew I wouldn't be able to bring up in person. If I was able to bring those issues up in person easily, I probably wouldn't need therapy, lol. Sometime it's a vague, I need to talk about something, and sometimes I spell it out. But this softens the conversation for me because my T knows it's something I'm super vulnerable about.

I find contacting my T in advance also helps me process a little so I'm better able to discuss the issue, too.