Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 31, 2004, at 20:50:15
In reply to Re: Are there rules about calling T's?, posted by tinydancer on March 31, 2004, at 11:34:36
Hi Rainyday,
The information you have gotten so far is great. I'll just add a little..
First, many therapists will have a treatment contract which you will sign. It will sometimes outline such things as after-hours calls.
Second, if there isn't a treatment contract, your T will at least have an idea of what he/she will consider appropriate, and will tell you that.
Third, In general, most therapists will not appreciate calls at home. If you get a home telephone number, such as from your caller ID when they do call you back from home, It's probably best to forget it.
Fourth, If your T is associated with a group you may be likely to get a quicker response. Those in private practice are not as likely to provide 24 hour service, and may not have someone providing coverage.
Fifth, If you are in crisis, if you are considering hurting yourself or someone else, Call. If you don't get a response fairly soon, you might want to call your local mental health agency or emergency room.
Sixth... If you don't know what the rules are, but you need help, and call, your therapist will tell you if you are calling too much. A Good therapist will tell you without getting angry. They are there to help you, and aren't likely to yell at you the first time you call, or the second, third, etc.
It took me a long time to learn that I could call. I thought that I was supposed to be OK when I wasn't in therapy. That's not the truth. If I'm a wreck, and don't call, I stay a wreck. If I call, then I can get help. My therapist would much rather have me call and stay alive than not call and be in trouble.
Hope this helps.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:330773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040327/msgs/331054.html