Posted by Dinah on August 11, 2008, at 18:02:38
In reply to Re: Responsibility of psych to spouse » Dinah, posted by GeneLady on August 11, 2008, at 17:48:46
I'd sort this out with the psychologist. My understanding is that while he may talk to you as well, and help you in dealing with your husband, and while he may well wish to hear what's going on in your husband's life, if he is your husband's therapist his responsibility is to your husband. There is a shadow of conflict of interest if he is a therapist to both of you. Some therapists would mind more than others. But there are sensible logical reasons (such as a divorce and legal proceedings) that could make being a therapist to two spouses unwise.
My son sees a therapist at times, and she occasionally speaks to my husband and me. She's always willing to take our calls, and find out what's going on in his life. She'll talk to us about any marital issues she happens to see. But push come to shove, she's his therapist not ours. If he tells her something that we probably should know, but that she is not ethically responsible for telling us, she's not going to be able to tell us. Her responsibility is to him. She can try to convince him to tell us, but he is her client.
I'd clarify with the psychologist the exact parameters. Otherwise it could lead to some disappointment down the line. It might be difficult to have two separate psychologists, but if it's individual therapy, not marriage therapy, it might be better. Maybe they could confer. Or maybe he would be comfortable with the situation. I don't know the exact parameters so don't know what issues would be involved. If you'd like him to be your therapist as well, it's probably best to say so up front and see what he says.
poster:Dinah
thread:845479
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080810/msgs/845575.html