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Therapy Concerns?

public1234's picture

Submitted by public1234 on Fri, 03/15/2013 - 12:48pm

Is anyone afraid of going to see a therapist or anything like that because of BM and the court?

In my own custody battle I’ve used my diagnosed bi-polar ex’s mental health records against him, and we are using BM own against her in court.

I am guarded and mindful that not everything is secret and safe with a counselor, and this to could be used against me in court either by my own ex-husband, or one day if we get married his ex wife. I hate living like this! Sad

Comments

Kes's picture

Submitted by Kes on Fri, 03/15/2013 - 1:23pm

As an ex therapist myself, clients records were confidential. We were obliged to inform the authorities if we felt the client revealed that he/she was harming someone else, or in danger of harming someone else. Otherwise, revealing client records could only be ordered by a judge.

tryingmom's picture

Submitted by tryingmom on Fri, 03/15/2013 - 1:27pm

I'd gladly go see a family therapist to help to skids deal with the dysfunction with BM. BM, on the other hand, refuses to allow the skids see even a school counselor in fear of what the kids might say. LOTS of skelatons in her closet. She lies about her lies.

ExH was bi-polar but never had to worry about custody battles, he didn't want our son after divorce.

StepDoormat's picture

Submitted by StepDoormat on Fri, 03/15/2013 - 3:35pm

Your own ex-husband? Maybe.
Your SO's ex-wife? Um... no. Not unless you're violent or could harm them because of your mental illnesses. Your DH's custody battle is generally HIS and his alone... not yours. So, usually unless you create an unfit environment - it wouldn't involve YOU.

Plus - what are you going for? Talk therapy to work through normal stepfamily dysfunction? That's not really "mental illness" like if you had schizophrenia or something. Lots of people need therapy at some point or another...

Love51's picture

Submitted by Love51 on Fri, 03/15/2013 - 4:54pm

All records are bound by confidentiality unless harm to self, others or to report child, elder or dependant adult abuse. Other than that the therapist cannot confirm or deny working with you with out a signed autorization from you prior unless, they are subpoenaed by a judge. BUT, they would have to know about you going to therapy and where. No one will know you go or which therapist you see unless you tell them. If you feel unsure, when you first speak to a potential therapist ask them and let them clarify for you.