The point is on one hand: they don't get paid for it. Now I know most patients think but it's only for me... but yet, they might have a full case load... and that might mean 20 patients a week. A T doesn't (at least we hope they don't) just walk in to meet you without any forethought or plan for therapy. You need to add up to 2 hours a week for each patient on average, without phone calls and emails etc. And the main point: they need a personal life or they will burn out and be useless to everyone.

I'm sorry that you feel punished. Try and think of it this way: T is helping you discipline yourself for your own best interest.

During those times when you would normally email or call T, write stuff anyway. Then, perhaps find other ways of expressing your emotions...through some type of art. Then move on to distracting ourself from those feelings.

Some Ts suggest that you don't do any therapy between sessions, but leave it for the guided session. Try to get through your life, make notes, distract yourself, and then come prepared to share how tough it was (and also your victories) when in session.

(((hugs))))