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Psychologists may disclose private information without consent in order to protect the patient or the public from serious harm — if, for example, a client discusses plans to attempt suicide or harm another person. Psychologists may release information if they receive a court order.
Should a therapist disclose information?
When used sparingly, professionally and appropriately, counselor self-disclosure can build trust, foster empathy and strengthen the therapeutic alliance between counselor and client. However, counselor self-disclosure also holds the potential to derail progress and take focus off of the client.
Is therapy supposed to be confidential?
Is Therapy Confidential? In almost every instance, therapy is absolutely confidential. You therapist is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions between the two of you, just like a doctor is required to keep your records private.
Is it OK to ask your therapist personal questions?
As a client, you are allowed to ask your therapist just about anything. And, it is possible that the therapist will not or cannot answer the question for a variety of reasons. Some counselors believe strongly in being a “blank screen” or “mirror” in therapy.
What should you not ask a therapist?
With that said, we’re outlining some common phrases that therapists tend to hear from their clients and why they might hinder your progress.
- “I feel like I’m talking too much.”
- “I’m the worst.
- “I’m sorry for my emotions.”
- “I always just talk about myself.”
- “I can’t believe I told you that!”
- “Therapy won’t work for me.”
Can ethical therapists share information about people in therapy?
Ethical therapists NEVER share information about people in therapy casually with friends, family or co-workers. It’s crucial for the therapist-patient relationship that you feel at ease sharing personal information during therapy sessions.
There may be circumstances when your therapist could be subpoenaed by the courts to share information from a session. Also, you may ask your therapist to share specific information with specific people at any given time. Ideally, you should be informed about any situation in which confidentiality must be breached.
Should therapists self-disclose personal information?
Prior research has suggested that therapist disclosure of personal information could be considered inappropriate (and, in turn, likely not perceived as helpful). My take? Self-disclosures should be well thought-out in context of each unique therapist-patient relationship.
Can my therapist reveal my identity to other people?
By and large, your therapist should never reveal your identity or any information that makes you identifiable to others.