I Don't Want Mom To Know What I Say In Therapy

Post Reply New Topic

I had a little discussion with my mother today about wanting to do therapy. About using some of the money I get from college refund to help with co-pay for visits. She was surprised of course because through the years I had expressed to her how biased I was about therapy and medication.

But the times changed and I believe that I won't be able to survive on my own without some medical help for my mental state. She questioned if I wanted to see a therapist to talk about my "weird sh*t" (yes those are the exact words she used). I just told her that I wanted to get help because I have trouble dealing with people and we started talking about my anxiety and depression which we both already knew it was a problem of mine. She is gung-ho about me seeing a therapist and getting on medication to help me be a little less socially anxious when it comes to getting a job and being in social situations but something still bugs me...

I'm nervous that she might find out the things I plan on telling my therapist when I do go and see one. Like she already knows about Shadow to an extent, some bit of what I believe in, my sexual interests and how upset I get when people judge me for it so it's not that much of a problem...it's more that I don't want her finding out how much she makes me want to commit suicide upon the other things I've mentioned on this site, such as self-harm and so forth. I feel like if she knew then things will go quickly downhill for me. I also keep a lot of my personal life with my soulbonds and online away from her and I don't want her to find out anything more than what she already knows...

I heard that whatever you tell a therapist, as long as it's not "life-threatening", it's confidential and will not be spoken about to anyone else...Though is it true in the case of family members? I want to know...I'm terrified...I just want to be able to get help so I can "quietly" move out the house and get away from her and be able to take care of myself.

There’s patient/therapist confidentiality.

The therapist is not mandated to violate that to tell your mother about something like suicide.

The therapist might be mandated to tell some sort of authority (e.g. police) about it should he/she be asked about it. Even then, it’s only on a “need to know” basis.

This is only in extreme cases, though—when you actually are about to attempt suicide, for example.

Just talking about suicide in the abstract is definitely covered under patient confidentiality rules.

If your mother is next of kin, or alternate contact person, be careful not to nominate her as authorised to make enquiries about your health on your behalf.

Read the paperwork very carefully.

I think you'd have to sign some sort of consent paper in order for them to be allowed to tell even family members anything you said in your therapy sessions - except in extreme circumstances, like kraftiekortie said. My mom can't even reschedule a psychiatrist appointment for me without them asking me first because they don't have my signed permission to tell her anything.

From what I know of from my brother being in therapy(I was too but my mother was with me.) the therapist didn't disclose any information to my mother about my brother without permission.

I think like Kraftie said they only do it in extreme cases. A therapist is a good idea and it's good that you are getting help to take control of your situation!

You're an adult; I can't imagine the therapist would tell your explicit permission.

In any case, I'd suggest you discuss your concerns with the the therapist in your first visit.

Pretty sure others are correct and they can't say anything to your mom.

However, IMO, the best way to find out is.. to ask! Either at your first session, or by phone/email in advance. Just point blank ask them if they're ever under any circumstances going to relay anything you talk about to your mother. Let them know you want to be open in your communications with them, but want to know all the ground rules first, because you have privacy concerns and don't particularly want to discuss these topics with your mother & don't want her to know about them. They will tell you what their policies and duties are in terms of confidentiality, and then you'll know for certain vs. making assumptions based on what others here have posted from experience or their assumptions. Just ask, they'll tell you. I bet its an extremely common concern and they have to answer those questions regularly and will be able to give you all the info you need right away.

_________________
No for supporting trump. Because doing so is deplorable.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and clarification.

Not to be harsh here - but your mother needs to be involved if you are someone with "kintypes". People who believe that sort of thing often have a psychosis and cannot objectively care for themselves.

I would strongly suggest seeing a psychiatrist who can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment for you, a "therapist" is likely to simply reinforce the delusions.

Locked on request