Confidentiality in Therapy: Things You Should Never Tell for the Fear of Lockdown

Mental health therapists are trained to create a safe space for their clients to open up about their deepest fears and darkest secrets. However, there are certain things you should always consider keeping to yourself, especially when it comes to matters that could lead to legal consequences. While therapists are bound by confidentiality, there are limits to this principle, dictated by laws and ethical mandates.

Why Should You Be Cautious?

Some things you might want to avoid mentioning in your therapy sessions include:

Intentions to Harming Self or Others: If you express suicidal thoughts or intentions to harm someone, the therapist is legally and ethically required to take actions to ensure your safety and potentially the safety of others. This can lead to involuntary hospitalization. Engaging in Inappropriate Behavior: If you disclose any sexual intentions or intentions to engage in inappropriate behavior, this will likely result in termination of sessions. Therapists cannot condone or facilitate such actions. Drug Use or Substance Abuse: If you are under the influence of drugs, your therapist may report it due to health and safety concerns. Affirming Criminal Actions: If you have committed or are planning to commit a crime, such as abuse of a child or an elderly person, you will be reported to law enforcement.

The Role of Trust and Understanding

It's important to recognize that therapists are human beings and may have limitations in how they can respond to your disclosures. The decision to share or withhold certain information often comes down to factors like:

Trust: If you don't fully trust your therapist, it's understandable to hesitate. However, it's important to remember that building trust takes time and therapy isn't just about sharing information but also about building a therapeutic relationship. Confidentiality: While therapists are bound to confidentiality, there are exceptions when they feel obliged to break it due to ethical or legal reasons. Readiness: Sometimes, you might not be ready to share certain information and that's perfectly fine. It's important to communicate your readiness to your therapist.

The key is to communicate openly and honestly with your therapist. They are there to support you, not judge you. If you feel you need to share sensitive information but are concerned about the ramifications, this should be a topic of discussion in therapy. It's crucial to set boundaries and trust your therapist to handle these matters appropriately.

Safe Communication in Therapy

If you find that you need to discuss something sensitive, it's best to do so directly and respectfully. Here are some tips for effective communication:

Be Honest: Share your thoughts and feelings, but be mindful of the potential consequences. Seek Understanding: Ask your therapist how they would handle the situation and what steps they would take. Build Trust: Try to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect. Discuss Boundaries: Clarify your boundaries and the limits of confidentiality.

Remember, the primary goal of therapy is to help you live a healthy, fulfilling life. While some disclosures may be necessary, others can be managed through open and respectful dialogue with your therapist.

When to Seek Help If Needed

Feeling unsure or overwhelmed about discussing certain topics is natural. If you feel that the therapy sessions are not meeting your needs or if you have concerns about the therapist's approach, it may be time to seek another professional. Here are some steps you can take:

Express Your Concerns: Communicate openly with your therapist about your concerns. Consider Alternative Therapists: Look for a new therapist who might better suit your needs. Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust, like a trusted therapist, or a friend, about how you feel.

Remember, the ultimate goal is your well-being and the best outcome for your mental health journey. Don't hesitate to seek help if you feel it's needed.

Best,
Ron Feintech, PhD