Email & Therapy

Here's a question I received: Why don't you prefer clients to use email when contacting you?

This is a fair question. Let me see if I can explain:

1) I cannot guarantee your confidentiality. There's no way to maintain privacy through email mediums.
2) Emails get "lost." You may send an email and I may never receive it.
3) If it's an emergency, I may not receive it until hours after you've sent it.
4) Emails can be easily misconstrued. Without facial expressions, body language or even voice volume and sound, I have no idea what the emotions are behind the email.

For this reason, I have a personal policy that clients may email me ONLY for the purpose of scheduling/canceling an appointment. I recognize in the world of Blackberries, SmartPhones and iPhones, people are on the go and keep their calendars close at hand.

If emails are your preferred means of communication, speak with your own therapist what their policy regarding use of email is and how that will work for the both of you.