i don't think not wanting to have calls outside of session says "stay away," it just says that therapist has one particular set of guidelines.. ones that any client can accept or reject when they begin. i do think it is better if they do.. but i don't see any reason they should have to. i think it is very important that the clients know very clearly what is ok and what isn't. No hazy boundaries, that's what matters. People need to "shop" for a T... find one that works for you. Mine doesn't allow emails, my ex's pdoc won't read *anything* outside of session time... mine reads everything i give him.. as well as let me leave messages and will return calls in crisis. But around here that is a HUGE exception to the rule.. almost none accept or return calls. It just simply isn't done. i was shocked when my T gave me his private number.

spotted owl, how proud you should be of yourself! Making a call like that is a huge personl risk, and yeah, it feels silly. i used to walk to T's office with a letter, then chicken out and go home again... did that over and over. i even once got down on my knees in the hallway outside trying to make sure his door was closed so i wouldn't accidentally have to talk to him.. i was so scared. Now that seems ridiculous to me.. you'll get there, you'll build trust and get there.

namaste