Navigating Email Communication for Clients: What Therapists Should Do

Emails exchanged between clients and therapists are an essential aspect of modern mental health care, especially given our increasingly digital world. Yet, the question arises: should therapists read and respond to these emails, or should they be ignored to maintain professional boundaries? This article aims to provide clarity on this matter, drawing from both professional guidelines and personal experiences.

Setting Boundaries: The First Session 'Business Talk'

The initial therapist-client interaction is pivotal in establishing the boundaries of email communication. During this first session, known as the 'business talk', therapists should clearly outline their policies regarding email use. Some therapists, equipped with secretarial support, might strictly use emails for appointment changes, cancellations, and business-related matters. However, for those without such support, it's common to have a more flexible approach.

Regardless of the specific policy, therapists should always remind clients that they do not check emails in real-time and cannot commit to doing so outside of their work hours. This is particularly important as it encourages clients to use other emergency contact methods when needed, such as hotlines or accessing emergency medical services.

My Therapist and Email Communication

My experience with email communication with my therapist has been a valuable learning process. My therapist disclosed that she responds to emails between sessions but emphasizes that she may not check her email regularly, especially on non-work days. This upfront communication helped set clear expectations and reduce my anxiety about contacting her.

The therapist's responses can vary based on the email content. She might acknowledge the email promptly if it's mild, or offer more extensive advice if the content indicates a worsening situation. This approach is part of ongoing counseling and helps clients develop their own coping strategies.

The 'So the Email You Wrote Me...' Conversation

Our sessions often begin with a discussion of the previous email. Initially, I struggled with the embarrassment of needing to contact my therapist, but this conversation always turned out to be a useful and caring discussion. I would often agonize over the fact that I had failed and needed to contact her, prolonging the time until I wrote my emails. While my therapist found this process affirming, she encouraged me to use it as a coping mechanism and not a taboo.

Over time—five years to be precise—I've learned to use email communication as a marker of my progress. Reflecting on my earlier emails is a humbling experience, showing how my writing has improved alongside my mental health. The therapist's absence during her holidays is now a milestone, as I no longer feel the urge to contact her.

Advice for Clients

While email communication has been beneficial for me, it's important to recognize that every therapist and client interaction is unique. If external contact is crucial for you, and your current therapist cannot provide this, it's advisable to seek a therapist who can offer this support.

Understanding that therapists have their own lives and multiple clients is essential. As Abby Ives stated, we should be respectful of these constraints. Balancing the need to reach out and the understanding that your therapist must maintain their own wellness help in creating healthy therapeutic boundaries. This understanding not only helps clients prepare for situations where a therapist might not respond immediately but also fosters a more sustainable and effective therapeutic relationship.

In conclusion, email communication in therapy can be a valuable tool, but it requires clear communication of expectations and boundaries. By setting these guidelines at the beginning of therapy, both therapists and clients can navigate email communication more effectively, leading to a more productive and less anxious therapeutic process.