Posted by Dinah on September 30, 2004, at 22:28:46
In reply to Re: Telephone policies... » Racer, posted by mair on September 30, 2004, at 22:20:20
I just read about a study done to see what phone policies result in the fewest calls to therapists. Let's see if I can remember it.
Therapists who say they don't want to be called at all get the most crisis calls.
Therapists who have a policy that clients can call whenever they need to have the fewest crisis calls.
But therapists who have a policy that clients can call whenever they need to, and reiterate their policy frequently have the most non-crisis calls.
I think the conclusions drawn were that permission to call provides clients with a sense of security that allows them to try to get through difficult situations on their own, but excessive reiteration of the invitation to call gives clients the idea that they aren't expected to be able to handle things on their own.
My own therapist tells me at the end of each session that I can call him if I need him. It's part of our session ending routine, and it's very comforting to me. If I am feeling especially non-needy I give him an "I won't need to" grin. But no matter what, I appreciate the ritual, and if he forgets, I remind him.
poster:Dinah
thread:396496
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040925/msgs/397661.html