More challenges in a Therapeutic Relationship, Part 3.

Another reason when we may stop liking our therapist is when they have to disclose confidential material mandated by law. It is very important to know that we are informed about this at the beginning of our therapeutic relationship, there should be a signed form to help the client remember and for legal purposes. But even if the client declines to sign it, the therapist by law has to report suspected child abuse and a serious danger for the client or someone else. It is good to remember this legal rule. When disclosure happens and the client is not aware that what they said has to be reported, they may feel betrayed by a therapist. The most common examples are when there is an unsafe situation at home where the child is staying and there is a severe fighting and aggression that happens between parents. Such an incident can qualify as suspected abuse to the child. The inappropriate disciplining of a child that either physically or non-physically affects the child may also need to be reported. Unfortunately, some people are not aware of what qualifies as the abusive behaviors. They may feel surprised and hurt when therapists have to tell them that they are not only hurting their child but that they are going to be reporting it to authorities. It is not an easy part of our job. We do not choose, it is the law. Of course, the sessions notes also can be subject to subpoena by the court order which is outside of therapists control. The therapists notes should always be done in the way that would be affecting the client the least. Therefore, it is important to know what we say to our therapist. The therapist is on our side, she is there to help and she is a professional who is doing her best to help her fellow humans but she is also in in position to have to disclose sensitive materials when she is required by law.