[Cherrios]

Hi

So I have seen a therapist before, and I guess I am now, but my question deals with emailing/calling my therapist to talk? I have been out-of-state for the whole summer with my life just getting more complicated each day, and I really want to talk to someone about how all of this is making me feel. But I am wondering if I can call/email my therpist? I know you go to therapy to get help, and I want help, but I also don't want to be a bother? Especially if I am going to see this therapist in about two weeks. But two weeks seems like an eternalty. I feel overwhelmed so much of the time that I ignore my feelings, and then later when these feelings return it is overload. I am in no way suicidal, but when these feelings come I want to just cry.

I hope this is the right place to post this type of question! Thanks!

Cherrios

[(JD)]

If your T gave you the email addy to write to, then do so. Or maybe call because just hearing T's voice might help you get through the weeks. I doubt any good T would want you to suffer if a 3 minute call would help alleviate the angst. Try it.

(Ts are generally concerned with patients learning to take responsibility on their own, but if you're in crisis, or just beginning therapy, well, that's why you're IN therapy!)

[Cherrios]

Originally Posted by (JD)

If your T gave you the email addy to write to, then do so. Or maybe call because just hearing T's voice might help you get through the weeks. I doubt any good T would want you to suffer if a 3 minute call would help alleviate the angst. Try it.

(Ts are generally concerned with patients learning to take responsibility on their own, but if you're in crisis, or just beginning therapy, well, that's why you're IN therapy!)

Totally reassuring to read this! BUT....I am a total coward when it comes to asking for help?...
Why is it so difficult to ask for help when I have searched out and found the resources to help?

I am a total adventure junkie....trying death-defying things, but when it comes to something simple and something that could help me...I freak out! Maybe I think I am over-reacting....but I will try it! Step out of your comfort zone...right?

[WikidPissah]

I know what you mean about asking for help. I have never called or emailed a T, and I have been in therapy quite a few years. I started a new T last week, and he gave me his email and phone...made a point to show me where they were on the card. I just assumed it was in case I had to cancel...but now I wonder. I read about people calling/emailing between appts, and it's just new to me. Thanks for asking the question, looking forward to all the answers.

[rainbow8]

About emailing/calling T. Those who do, at least from what I've read, feel a need to do so. I've always felt like I needed contact with T right after a session, and then I'm okay. It feels like a compulsion. If I don't do it, I feel very unsettled. There have been times where I haven't called or emailed, but it's rare. If you don't feel that need, that's great!! If you do feel it, then you'll know because it's hard to get on with life without that contact. I wish that weren't the case for me, but it is. My former T didn't like the calls, but she let me. My new T welcomes my emails each week, and emails back unless I tell her she doesn't have to.

Welcome, Cheerios! Since you don't have a connection and haven't even met your new T, it might be hard to call or email. Or have you met previously? But if you really need the help now, go for it. You could write down what you want to say if you are calling. I always find emailing easier. Is there a way to get in sooner than 2 weeks? You could call and ask if there is a cancellation or say you're feeling really bad and want to know if you can see T sooner? Good luck!

[Cherrios]

Originally Posted by Eileen2010

I know what you mean about asking for help. I have never called or emailed a T, and I have been in therapy quite a few years. I started a new T last week, and he gave me his email and phone...made a point to show me where they were on the card. I just assumed it was in case I had to cancel...but now I wonder. I read about people calling/emailing between appts, and it's just new to me. Thanks for asking the question, looking forward to all the answers.

Totally glad I am not the only one finding this topic difficult. Thanks for your response.

[Cherrios]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

About emailing/calling T. Those who do, at least from what I've read, feel a need to do so. I've always felt like I needed contact with T right after a session, and then I'm okay. It feels like a compulsion. If I don't do it, I feel very unsettled. There have been times where I haven't called or emailed, but it's rare. If you don't feel that need, that's great!! If you do feel it, then you'll know because it's hard to get on with life without that contact. I wish that weren't the case for me, but it is. My former T didn't like the calls, but she let me. My new T welcomes my emails each week, and emails back unless I tell her she doesn't have to.

Welcome, Cheerios! Since you don't have a connection and haven't even met your new T, it might be hard to call or email. Or have you met previously? But if you really need the help now, go for it. You could write down what you want to say if you are calling. I always find emailing easier. Is there a way to get in sooner than 2 weeks? You could call and ask if there is a cancellation or say you're feeling really bad and want to know if you can see T sooner? Good luck!

Thank you for telling your story about different situations. I am totally writing the email....and I wish I could get in to see T sooner, but I am out-of-state until then. Thanks for the support!

[Hunny]

Cherrios
I'm not a therapist but I feel strongly that by now (therapy for 9 or 10 years or so) I must be able to take care of myself for a given period of time while the therapists are on vacation. Kind of stubborn that way.
but
This time I asked if I could write a mini-journal and send it weekly. If any red lights appear within it I guess the T's could get back to me. Some days have been more of a struggle than others, August is a 'history loss' month for me, life stress is pressing in and some unresolved issues (put in a box) are around me on all sides and I write of them. I also try to include some wonderful hi-lites of the week so as to make it not all bleak reading.

Here is hoping you allow your less brave self have some say in the email. Do take care and hope you are having some fun distractions.

(I don't usually post here because there seems to be a lot of really well written folks here, but I just wanted to encourage you.)

[Cherrios]

Originally Posted by Hunny

Cherrios
I'm not a therapist but I feel strongly that by now (therapy for 9 or 10 years or so) I must be able to take care of myself for a given period of time while the therapists are on vacation. Kind of stubborn that way.
but
This time I asked if I could write a mini-journal and send it weekly. If any red lights appear within it I guess the T's could get back to me. Some days have been more of a struggle than others, August is a 'history loss' month for me, life stress is pressing in and some unresolved issues (put in a box) are around me on all sides and I write of them. I also try to include some wonderful hi-lites of the week so as to make it not all bleak reading.

Here is hoping you allow your less brave self have some say in the email. Do take care and hope you are having some fun distractions.

(I don't usually post here because there seems to be a lot of really well written folks here, but I just wanted to encourage you.)

Thank you so much Hunny for your reply....I am glad you posted. I have been told to write a journal, and I have. But I guess since so many things have happened this summer....I feel like writing them down is not enough. It is like I have been slapped many times and knocked down with truths and decisions that I have to make. Utterly OVERWHELMING! But I will totally continue to write in my journal as well....Thanks!