Question On What Therapist Would Have To Report?

[Lee2001]

So I am very new to therapy. A lot of you probably know so much more about this. I have a disturbing memory I remember about my parents that would be considered a crime I suppose. But this happened like 27 years ago. So if I revealed this in therapy it wouldn't need to be reported due to time, correct? Also, another question on therapy.... I hear a lot of people talking about tools that therapy teaches you to use to cope. So far we have only talked about challenges and have not been taught how to deal with symptoms. I have only had three sessions though. Thanks a lot every one:)

 

[Mim28]

So I am very new to therapy. A lot of you probably know so much more about this. I have a disturbing me...

I think the question about whether or not it is reportable is something to ask the counselor. Right now you have what you believe is a memory. Maybe once you get those answers you will be free to decide if you want to share.

 

[WillyKat]

A quick google turned up this: http://www.stopitnow.org/ohc-content/when-must-a-therapist-file-a-report .

As for your second question about tools, that's a great question to ask your shrink, but off the top of my head, the common ones are fairly simple lifestyle changes:

• Physical safety and health
• Sleeping better
• Eating better
• Cutting down or eliminating drugs, alcohol
• Ending toxic relationships
• Exercise
• Breathing deep
• Mindfulness and grounding (google this one)

These are the "easy" ones (yeah, right). There are other techniques that go deeper, like visualizing things that make you anxious as rocks that you can step around or over. You should talk these over with your shrink.

 

[EveHarrington]

Incorrect.

It varies from state to state.

From what I know, abuse of a minor is reportable even if many years have passed. That is, if a therapist heard about abuse of a minor (abuse that happened when the person was a minor) then they are mandated to report, even if years have passed and the person is now an adult. This is done in order to protect other people (which is a big reason these mandatory reporting laws were enacted.)

I think you're confusing this with statute of limitations which is a related but separate concept.

If you don't want it reported, you may have to not talk about it. But of course this is a question for your therapist.

 

[Mim28]

Incorrect.

It varies from state to state.

From what I know, abuse of a minor is reportable even...

Very good info Eve. I wasn't sure she said the abuse was to a minor or if she witnessed a crime. I might have missed that part. A bit out of if these days.:)

 

[Freedomfighter]

So I am very new to therapy. A lot of you probably know so much more about this. I have a disturbing me...

Well, not sure but there is the confidentiality between doctor and patient and I think that would be the same with a therapist, would it not? I mean that confidentiality cab be upheld by the law whenever you visit the doctor. The only way that can be bridged or cancelled is if someone is in court and a doctor would be called as a witness in a case to testify and a judge would make that ruling.

 

[Lee2001]

Thanks everyone. I do appreciate it:) I think I will just ask therapist with out totally giving it away and see what he says. I sure do not want to make things worse with my relationship to parents... It's just too difficult.

 

[joeylittle]

The only way that can be bridged or cancelled is if someone is in court and a doctor would be called as a witness in a case to testify and a judge would make that ruling.

No, not quite. As has been said, even doctors, therapists can be compelled to report something, if it is mandated by the law. For example, in many states, if the doctor - medical doctor - suspects that someone has been a victim of sexual assault, they are required to report that to the police, including the name of the person they treated. Mandatory. They don't need to have proof of assault, they only need to suspect it.

These mandated reporter laws affect therapists as well. Sometimes, it's only if they have fore-knowledge of a criminal act; if a person goes to therapy and says they are going to rob a bank, that therapist is required by law to report the criminal intent.

And, it works backwards. If someone discusses sexual abuse, of a certain type, the therapist may be mandated to report, regardless of whether the crime can still be prosecuted.

People need to look up their state laws on mandated reporting in order to real know. And it's a bit of reading, but it's the only way to honestly find out.

 

[Lee2001]

Thank you... This really makes sense and I will look it up. I didn't realize they really could go backwards as you said so I am checking this out.

 

[joeylittle]

I learned the hard way. I'm glad you are looking it up. That information will lead to the questions you need to ask your therapist before you disclose.

 

[Panda Bear]

When I disclosed SA, my T first asked me if I still had contact with this person. Did I know where he was currently and was it possible that I could find out if I tired. None of which I could answer.

Thus, nothing was reported. If I share possible reportable information, he always warns me to be careful how much I share, should it be something that needs reporting. It sucks, but I'm thankful he watches out for me, and reminds me. It's not that he doesn't want to help, but he wants me to be informed too.

I hope you're able to get an answer.

 

[GMW]

In the UK, it is reportable if they believe kids are presently in danger (like your abuser was a teacher). So if you say "Mr John Smith was at London Primary School in 1992 and he did xyz" they have to report it. However, if you just say "I was abused in 1992" there's not a great deal to go on so will not report.

The therapist in the second scenario should never push for more information so they CAN report. They shouldn't ask "who abused you? What was their name? Where are they now?" with the deliberate and clear intention of reporting. If you choose not to disclose, their priority is TO YOU and maintaining/building your trust in them. Or at least it should be. If a therapist does start pushing, I would urge you to find someone else.

I once saw a psychiatrist who did exactly as I have just described (pushing for names and addresses). I didn't go back. My current therapist explained if I GAVE her that info, she'd have to report, but it was my choice. She's fab but there are things that because of that, I will never tell her.