How to Communicate with Your Therapist Between Sessions: Tips and Considerations

Introduction

Starting therapy is a significant step towards understanding and addressing your mental health concerns. It can be quite beneficial to maintain a line of communication with your therapist outside of the formal session. Here, we'll explore why such communication is important and how to approach your therapist to ask if you can contact them between sessions.

Why Maintaining Communication is Important

Therapy is not solely about the 60-90 minutes you spend in a session. It's a 7-day-a-week process where you actively engage in self-reflection, practice new skills, and gain support. This continuous involvement can enhance the effectiveness of your therapy. Your therapist can provide guidance and support through these crucial moments, much like a support mirror guide and counselor.

Some therapists offer the option to communicate via email between sessions. This can be particularly helpful for updates on your progress, addressing emerging concerns, and practicing the skills you've learned.

How to Approach Your Therapist About Communication

It's best to be proactive and directly inquire about your ability to communicate outside of your scheduled sessions. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation:

Preparation is Key

Purposeful Reasons: Consider your reasons for wanting to communicate outside of your sessions. This could be due to a question that comes to mind, feeling in a "dark space," a payment issue, or planning for a crisis.

Example Scenarios: Think of specific situations where you might need to reach out so that you can share them with your therapist.

Preferred Methods: Advise on the type of communication that would be most useful to you (e.g., email, text, voice message).

Leading with a specific reason can make your request more compelling. For example, you might say, 'I have a question that came up, and I'm not sure if it's something we should discuss during our next session. Can I send you an email about it?' or 'I'm having some trouble and I'm not sure who to turn to. Does it seem reasonable to reach out to you for support?'

Exploring Crisis Planning and Emotional Coping

If you feel you need more support outside of your therapy sessions, it's important to discuss crisis planning with your therapist. They can advise you on what actions to take in a crisis and help you establish a support network. Some therapists may recommend calling 911 or contacting an on-call therapist.

Additionally, learning coping mechanisms to handle emotions is crucial. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, pets, hot baths, and distraction can significantly help you navigate difficult emotions when they arise.

If you feel that you need therapy more frequently than your current schedule allows, discuss this with your therapist. If they can't accommodate additional sessions, they may be able to refer you to another therapist who can offer more frequent support.

Conclusion

Seeking to maintain a line of communication with your therapist is a positive step towards managing your mental health. Approach this conversation with your therapist in a thoughtful and prepared manner. This can lead to a more empowering and effective therapeutic journey, enhancing your understanding and skills in dealing with life's challenges.