Posted by TamaraJ on March 5, 2005, at 17:40:20 [reposted on March 5, 2005, at 18:44:32 | original URL]
In reply to therapy anxiety, posted by sallyb on March 5, 2005, at 12:11:36
My understanding of an "Employee Assistance" type program of therapy is that, like any other type of therapy, it is confidential. The only time the therapist might reveal something (and this would be required by law, or at least it is in Canada) is if the patient revealed during a session that they were going to harm her/himself or another. I would think that the therapist you are seeing would have a document explaining the confidential nature of the service, which you would read and sign signalling your understanding of the services provided. So as not to sabotage your therapy, I would suggest that you raise this with the therapist.
Good luck to you.
Tamara
> I know this sounds insipid on a board for professional therapists and experienced patients, but I have to ask and don't know where else to go. My second session with a psychotherapist is next week, we're supposed to discuss my 'history'. My 'history' is exactly why I didn't want to seek therapy. How do I overcome the anxiety of trying to explain my 'history' to a total stranger? My primary concern at the moment is confidentiality. The referral to this therapist came from a free counseling program at the office; the company pays for this therapy, ergo, I am convinced that the company will have access to the therapists notes and my 'history'. Any suggestions? FYI I've been on thyroid meds for many years, and have started effexor for depression, I contacted the phone counseling program voluntarily and voluntarily followed up with their recommended local therapist....sallyb
poster:TamaraJ
thread:466991
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050305/msgs/467111.html