The Sacredness of Therapy Sessions: Is It Appropriate for Therapists to Answer Calls During Sessions?

The quality of a therapy session often depends on the therapist's ability to maintain a focused, undistracted space for the client. This environment is essential for effective and meaningful communication, building trust, and achieving therapeutic goals. Many questions arise about the ethics of a therapist answering phone calls during sessions. In this article, we discuss the importance of maintaining a closed environment during therapy and explore the implications of such interruptions.

Why Answering Calls During Therapy Sessions is Inappropriate

When a client enters a therapy session, they do so with the expectation of a private and confidential space where they can freely express their thoughts and feelings without interruption. The therapist's role is to create an atmosphere conducive to deep, meaningful conversation. Accepting phone calls during these sessions can be highly disruptive and undermine the therapeutic process.

As the client blocks out the world to focus on their inner experience and the therapist's guidance, an unexpected phone call can be jolting, akin to the sudden interruption of a deep, meaningful conversation with a close friend. For some clients, this can lead to a sense of violation, trust issues, or even psychological trauma. A therapist must remain fully present and attentive to ensure the client's experience is as impactful and beneficial as possible.

Ethical Considerations

From an ethical standpoint, a therapist’s obligation is to prioritize the client's needs and the therapeutic relationship over personal interruptions. Answering calls during a session is generally seen as a violation of professional standards. It breaks the trust that is critical for effective therapy.

Consider the case of a surgeon who took a phone call during a conversation about an upcoming procedure, complete with yelling at a construction worker. While doctor-patient relationships can sometimes involve the unexpected, the disruption of such a fundamental moment can be deeply unsettling. In the case of therapy, the stakes are even higher. We are dealing with deep emotional and psychological needs, making any interruption significantly more significant.

However, there are scenarios where interruptions are necessary, such as a sudden emergency or a situation in a construction environment where occasional noise is unavoidable. In such cases, a therapist might alert the client to the potential for interruptions beforehand, ensuring the client is prepared and informed.

Creating a Secure Environment

To maintain a secure and uninterrupted therapeutic environment, therapists should implement best practices. For instance, having a receptionist screen calls or using voice mail systems can help prevent disruptions during sessions. Additionally, therapists should explain the importance of uninterrupted sessions to their clients and address any concerns they may have. Clients should also be encouraged to notify their therapist if they feel unable to have an uninterrupted session, allowing for adjustments in scheduling or environment as needed.

Another example is a therapist working in a building undergoing construction. They might inform clients of the potential for noise and use this as a teaching moment about the importance of focusing within the session. While this is not ideal, it is better than canceling a session entirely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, therapists should avoid answering phone calls during therapy sessions, as it can significantly disrupt the therapeutic process and violate the trust of the client. Clients need a safe and secure environment where they can freely express themselves and build a strong therapeutic relationship with their therapist. By maintaining a focused and undistracted space, therapists can provide the best possible care and support for their clients.