Can a therapist tell anyone what you say

Therapists (LCSW, LPC/LCMHC, LMFT, Psychiatrist) are bound by law to not disclose information a client shares without written or in some cases verbal permission of client except in situations where imminent risk is present including suicidal ideations with a plan are expressed, or reportable child abuse (physical, sexual abuse) is disclosed.

Therapists not only are guided by the laws in their state, province, country but also have a code of ethics they are bound by. So legally and ethically, therapists cannot discuss what is shared.

One of the primary roles of a therapist is to listen and reflect to clients. Each person has different ways of listening and being heard. Part of the work of therapy is not only finding a therapist that you connect with, but also one that you feel heard by. Trust is an important part of therapy. It is not lost on a therapist that clients are coming in and openly sharing difficult feelings or parts of their life that they don’t normally share. This can be an intense experience for patients due to fear of judgement. Therapists provide an environment of free from judgement, hurtful comments, or anger. Therapists provide support for clients to work on what brought them into treatment. While there are many therapeutic approaches that therapists use to guide their work, every therapist should provide a space of hope, safety, and encouragement so that you can eventually open up.

While trust and honesty are important in treatment, most therapist know they are not going to get the full picture or story at first. We must build and earn that trust with clients. Sometimes it happens instantly, other times it may take a few sessions. Therefore, therapy is unique and personalized for clients, so they feel heard and understood. Therapy can feel overwhelming and scary because it involves being vulnerable, but your therapist is there to walk beside you during treatment.

While it may be difficult to do, you as a client have the right to provide feedback to your therapist. If you don’t feel heard, that can be discussed. Therapists want to be as helpful as possible to you.

Listening and respecting privacy are basic aspects of therapy. The therapeutic relationship is more important than the actual therapeutic approach a therapist may take.