WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO MEET WITH MY THERAPIST?

 

Most people these days lead exceptionally busy lives. Due to the Covid pandemic and increased need for mental health, apps and online services offer therapy available 24/7 from clinicians all over the country. This places the clinician and the client to face new challenges that did not exist when we practiced from a regular 9-5 clinic or office.

So, is it a good idea to meet with my therapist late at night? How about during my weekend?

We all keep our own routines and work schedules. But there are considerations about when you may target your therapy.  Therapy in general is going to be more effective for those who are more engaged. Common sense would tell us that if you are tired or distracted that therapy may not be as helpful.

There is also new pressure for therapists to face. Many of our clients have needs inbetween sessions or request response to an email outside the normal business day.  It will be interesting to see how mental health is shaped going forward. As apps and start-up operations become more common place, it will be a new field for many clinicians.  It may benefit the client to have immediate access to their chosen therapist. But how does the therapist set boundaries to avoid burnout? How does the therapist set aside time for family and self-care? 

In summary, a rested clinician is best linked with a rested client.  That collaboration (regardless of time of day) is going to allow the best outcomes.