I was actually seriously retraumatized during my first round of therapy, partly, I believe, because I had no outside contact with my therapist. We were dredging up all sorts of childhood trauma, and I had no understanding of how to cope with it, and I was left on my own to spiral downward into some very dark places. I have never in my life been suicidal or self-harmed, but I suffered terribly during that time, and for years afterward.

My current therapist welcomes calls and has coached me through some difficult times. This has allowed me to have the experience of being helped to pull myself out of rumination and grief, and practicing this over and over has enabled me to figure out how I can do this for myself.

Outside contact has been extremely helpful for me. I don't think it needs to be a matter of life and death for it to be important for some people to have access to it.