Texting my therapist when I'm afraid

Hi guys,

I haven't been going to therapy very long. I'd like to know what "normal protocol" is for this situation. Is it different for every therapist, or is it the same sometimes?

I'm dealing with SAD/depression by using meds, going to therapy, and using the techniques my therapist teaches me. Some things are very helpful, but I still have really panicky moments. Sometimes, when I feel an emotion very strongly, I'm frightened by the emotion. It can be hard for me to identify which emotion it is sometimes, but the intensity of it can freak me out and then I really feel like I need to talk to someone. (I don't always like talking to friends/family because of the stigma of depression, and not wanting to burden them.)

On Friday, I had one of those moments and I texted my therapist -- "Please help. Are you still free at five? I'm having a really hard time today and I'd like to talk to someone." We had had appointments at that time of week in the past, but I had rescheduled for next Wednesday. She never texted me back, and it's Sunday now. I'm sure that's probably just the setting of normal boundaries, but that was really hard for me. We've texted before about minor things so I know it was the right number. How do most therapists handle communication outside of normal appointments? If she was a friend and not just a therapist, of course she'd respond back. What are your guys' thoughts?

Hey! I'm sorry she didn't respond back to you. I can imagine that must have brought up some anxiety and uncomfortable feelings.

Unfortunately, therapists have their own protocols. Some T's may allow outside communication and even encourage it, whereas others may ignore it or wait until session to address any texts/calls/emails.

I know that it doesn't help now, but perhaps next session you could bring up and see what her rules are regarding outside communication.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It totally depends on the T. Mine allows me to text her whenever, but that's not the case for all of them.

This is something that very much depends on the therapist, and it's something you should talk to your T about. Clarify with her when/how you should reach out to her when you're panicking or need extra help.

My T responds to email and text, but there is often a delay. If I need to speak to her right away or if it's something time sensitive or urgent, we've agreed that I need to call either her office or cell phone. Text messages can fail to send or be overlooked. So, if I were panicking and needed to talk to her, if it's during her normal office hours, I call the office line and leave a message. After hours, I call her cell phone. She might follow up with a text saying she got my message and is free at x time, or she might just call me back. Either way, I know that with a phone call, she's going to get back with me within a couple of hours at the most.

It may also depend on the patient. I can imagine a T deciding that some patients need more support than others.

IDK, but for me this would go under scheduling so I'd expect my T to answer ASAP esp if the slot was on the same day and would be pissed if he/she didn't. We're talking about yes/no text though

Sometimes I text my therapist. Some time ago when I texted him, that i really miss him and want to see him, he called me. When i cut my hand and told him, he talked to me 30 minutes because I was so desperate.
But now.. Now he ignores my messages even if I ask him something. He was so kind to me, but now I feel like a horrible nightmare in his life. I just don't know why he changed his mind.