I need advice...
So, I think my dad is emotionally abusive (not just overreacting). How can I tell my therapist? Would she have to tell my parents?
22-25, F
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SugarDaddy101 Best Comment
I could be wrong, but if I'm not mistaken, your therapist is required to keep your discussions strictly between the two of you. The only exception is when he/she believes you may be a threat to yourself or others. Again though, I'm not at all an expert on the subject.
Why not ask your therapist what they are or are not allowed to divulge to your parents? Why not ask this before telling them about your dad?
At any rate, I think that you should tell your therapist. This is the stuff they are there to help you through. I'm sure your therapist would be happy to help you determine if he is emotionally abusive or not, and how to deal with the situation.
Why not ask your therapist what they are or are not allowed to divulge to your parents? Why not ask this before telling them about your dad?
At any rate, I think that you should tell your therapist. This is the stuff they are there to help you through. I'm sure your therapist would be happy to help you determine if he is emotionally abusive or not, and how to deal with the situation.
fluteacorn · 22-25, F
@SugarDaddy101 I think you're right. That is a good idea. I'm scared to tell her.
@fluteacorn I can totally relate. I've been through therapy about 5 different times in my life. Therapy is HARD. Its a very vulnerable spot to be in and it's hard to open up.
The most productive round of therapy I've ever gone through was my most recent one. I finally just really reached down deep for that courage and blurted it all out. It wasnt easy, but I was able to face the problems and get some great help.
Before this most recent round of therapy, I held back. I think I really went through many years of unnecessary suffering by holding back in my sessions. Had I just let it rip from my first session, I would have been able to help myself shortcut some of the work I had to do.
It's hard. I know. But you can do it. Just get it out. You'll feel better when you do. I promise.
The most productive round of therapy I've ever gone through was my most recent one. I finally just really reached down deep for that courage and blurted it all out. It wasnt easy, but I was able to face the problems and get some great help.
Before this most recent round of therapy, I held back. I think I really went through many years of unnecessary suffering by holding back in my sessions. Had I just let it rip from my first session, I would have been able to help myself shortcut some of the work I had to do.
It's hard. I know. But you can do it. Just get it out. You'll feel better when you do. I promise.
voxiti · 22-25, F
You could ask her to teach you ways to handle the emotional abuse, and how to manage situations that may occur. Also skills to help deal with it in the present, and learn that his behaviour isn't your fault--- and all there is to know about emotional abuse that you should know of. Since it's a parental figure, she might suggest family therapy or groups for your dad to go to, although I'm guessing she'd consult with you first before actually mentioning any of them. If you don't want her to bring your mom to awareness, she won't, but make sure you take care of yourself and know that they're there for you!!
ozgirl512 · 26-30, F
My understanding of a therapist was someone you could talk openly and honestly with so you could learn to sort your thoughts and feelings into some semblance of order and to understand them..I think they would be the perfect person to talk to
fluteacorn · 22-25, F
@ozgirl512 How do I explain it to her? I haven't really been open with anyone in over 2.5 months.
ozgirl512 · 26-30, F
@fluteacorn just talk what's in your mind... She'll make sense of it
fluteacorn · 22-25, F
@ozgirl512 That probably wasn't the case last time. I sounded like I've gone crazy.
froggtongue · M
That's a very prickly problem. I think if you told your therapist and your dad [i]was[/i] abusive in some sense, he or she would have to report it to authorities. But if your dad is not abusive, then he/she is held to a confidentiality with you, meaning that person legally cannot say anything. I don't know how true that holds up to minors though.