I was recently banned, LOL, true story, from emailing AND phoning my T (unless the call was stating that I needed to be hospitalized). We were going through a tough spot, I had stopped idealizing him, and I knew that he was not going to be here for me forever. I was angry. I sent him quite a few angry emails and also some good ones. However, I can be obsessive, and sent him more than the one allotted email a week (ooooops). So, I also have a problem with MY actions.

When he told me that I could no longer email or call him, I started bawling. He asked, "What are you thinking?" I told him that I felt like I was being punished for being who I am (needy) and for having what I have (OCD).

I renogotiated these terms, though. I have never, ever abused the phone privilege. I always fight myself not to call him because (LOL) I don't want him to think I'm needy! (I'm sure he has no clue). He agreed and I am back to the normal as far as the phone goes. Meaning, I haven't called him once. Anyway . . .

My opinion? I think that they should get paid for it. I think that it should be individualized and contracted based on the baseline data/needs of the patient. For example, if someone generally calls twice in between sessions, the T and patient should make a contract that the patient can call two times in between sessions (the T can specify the times exactly, can tell the patient she can call between __ and ___, or whatever). Then, maybe the T can allow one call a month that is not at the specified times if needed.

I also think that this should reduce the number of hours that T can see other patients. Yes, this would mean that he wouldn't have as many hours to devote to other patients (less competition, fewer assprints LOL). These calls should be treated as sessions, the T will be paid a set amount for the phone sessions, insurance should cover this, so the T can't take your call while he is in session with someone else. He should devote all of himself to you during that time (and should think about you all other times.

What a good question! What do you think?