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Old Feb 01, 2018, 10:48 AM
confused_77 confused_77 is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 136
Quote:
Originally Posted by LonesomeTonight View Post
One thought would be for you to figure out what boundaries would seem reasonable and suggest them to her. Like, "I feel like I'm e-mailing you too much and need some boundaries. How about a limit of x number of e-mails per week?" (or certain number of paragraphs, etc.) And then ask her to help you stick to that?

The problem I've encountered with e-mail is therapists who keep saying it's fine, until...suddenly it isn't (this has happened both with ex-T and marriage counselor). Like suddenly, they told me I needed to reduce outside contact. And this was when I had checked in with them numerous times to see if it was OK. I'm not saying this will happen to you--but I'm sure it would be much better if you were to figure out boundaries for yourself before your T might ask for a reduction--because it hurts like hell for them to ask you to reduce contact...

And I completely get the appeal of e-mailing. They would suggest I just journal instead, but there's something about actually wanting to hand the thoughts off to someone else, even if they don't respond. Current T charges for longer e-mails (and sends a detailed response), which annoyed me at first, but it really helps keep it in check, like I'll only send something if I'm really struggling/in a bad place (a couple times in 4 months). It's kept me from getting into that habit with him. But once you're in the habit with someone, it can be hard to break...
i suggested being charged for emails and even suggested paying a full price of one appt for her to spend one hour to answer in writing and address what i email about. she never responded to the charging suggestion. i think this would be best because at least i dont feel guilty knowing im taking up her free time.
i even emailed many many times thats she doesn't have to read it, that in a way it a better version on. journalinh and that if there is anything urgent I'll point it out im the title.... but i know she reads each and every email...
i try to set myslef bounderies but its like with being on a diet. illl only have one cookie a week and then i get stressed and have a few each day. i suggest her setting bounderies and she just doesn't mention it. i explained in an email that i need her to have control over that with me..and say every week that if she minds i need to nie otherwise it will continue....
of course the ideal version is she really doest mind and it will ease off once the stress is over and i can email as much as i want for now.. but i dont want her to grow resentful or angry!
Hugs from:
kecanoe, LonesomeTonight, ruh roh, WarmFuzzySocks
Thanks for this!
LonesomeTonight