Corresponding With My Therapist Through Emails

Recently, I was asked to explain why I discourage clients from emailing me between sessions. I thought in the world of technology, it would be a good topic to address here. I'm not referring to online therapy, but for clients who I usually see in my office, but want to correspond to me via email in between sessions.

Let me start with the issue of confidentiality. There is no way to secure email. It can't be 128-bit encrypted, and it's easier to hack. Plus, there's no guarantee I will receive the email. How many times has someone tolds you they sent you an email, but you never received it? Ouch! Can you imagine sending a lengthy email, contained with personal information, and your therapist never receives it?

Second, emails are easy to be misconstrued. It's very common to misinterpret text messages, emails, etc. because you don't have eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. I, personally, depend on non-verbal communication almost as much as verbal communication when working with the client. I lose a substantial part of the communication through emails.

I understand email and electronic communication is an important means of keeping in contact and is here to stay; however, I believe it's not in your best interest as a client to do therapy over the internet if you are working with me on a regular basis in the office. If clients feel they need to interact with me beyond the weekly session, I encourage them to see me more than once a week, so that they receive the support you are looking for.

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.