Do I tell a friend that I blurted about her to a shared therapist?
March 3rd, 2009 Posted by: admin
A friend and I share a therapist in common. The therapist was trying to make a point when the light bulb came on for me and I blurt out a bit of knowledge that I knew my friend had not shared. I know the Therapist is obligated to keep my confidentiality but I also know that should my friend decide to share this piece of info, that the therapist’s reaction will give away the pre-existing knowledge. I feel like from an integrity stand point I should say something but I don’t want to stir the pot and cause drama unnecessarily.
By: shahalla127
By: shahalla127
Tags: Integrity, Pot's, Tell A Friend
March 4th, 2009 at 21:17
Dr.-Patient privilege. What you tell your therapist stays between you and your therapist. He’s not allowed to tell your friend anything that you told him.
March 5th, 2009 at 20:25
I go to the same therapist that my two best friends also go to. Of course I’m going to talk about them. A good therapist will never reveal a reaction that will give anything away. I wouldn’t bother saying anything to your friend. What is said between you and your therapist is completely personal.
March 7th, 2009 at 12:28
You shouldn’t have told the therapist in the first place. At best, warn your therapist beforehand and pray. Good luck.
March 9th, 2009 at 01:04
If the therapist is professional, than your information will remain secretive, even in the event that your friend decides to share this information.
You’re allowed to talk about whatever it is you want with your therapist. It doesn’t matter that what you talked about happens to be a friend with the same therapist.
You are separate patients with separate problems and lives. I wouldn’t share anything you talk to your therapist about with eachother.
March 9th, 2009 at 11:02
You don’t know how the therapist would react to her disclosing this information to him. Go ahead and tell her if you feel the need. You’re already in therapy so if there are any problems from you telling her, you can talk to the therapist about it.
March 10th, 2009 at 07:15
I suppose it depends on how you think your friend will react to this information. Sometimes, it’s better NOT to know. If your therapist is a true professional, he/she won’t let this accidental knowledge color his/her sessions with your friend. Also, if your therapist is really astute (which he should be), it’s possible that this tidbit of info is something he may have already deduced about your friend, anyway.
Honestly, I think you’re probably better off not saying anything…come to think of it, you actually could ask the therapist whether or not you should tell your friend about it.
March 13th, 2009 at 18:32
My friend and I also share the same therapist. I often bring her up during my session. You have to remember that during your session, the therapist is focussed on you and your feelings. Its not a “he say, she say” or a gossip forum. Its only natural that your friend’s name would come up during your counselling time. Believe me, they don’t write down things that they intend to use against you . Their goal is to help you sort through YOUR things. Don’t tell, your therapist won’t divulge won’t either. Its really all about you in there!