How much information should you tell your therapist?

Question

I'm starting therapy agian with a new therapist. How much inforamtion should i share with her, meaning as far as drug use, abuse, etc.?

Answer 1

They can't help you if they don't know the truth.

Coach

Answer 2

I agree that they can't help you if they don't know the truth. But I have also learned that I would have been better off to never have shared information about past drug/alcohol use. I am a very honest person and truly wanted help, so I was quick to tell the whole truth. After having this repeatedly backfire on me, I have learned that I should have absolutely kept my mouth shut about the substance abuse. Unfortunately, I am not alone in having had this happen. Aside from substance abuse though, I think you should be really open about everything else.

Answer 3

If you really want her to help you, you should in time reveal everything to her. It okay if your not comfortable telling her all your secrets at first but as your therapy progresses you should be more comfortable sharing. Try to answer all her questions honestly from the very beginning so that you don't have to deal with the guilt of admitting you lied later on.
It's therapy - you're supposed to talk about your issues, your vices and so on. And if she's a good therapist it will all come out eventually anyway. So, don't fight the process. It's all for your benefit. Don't cheat yourself by not being truthful.

Answer 4

A therapist is required to follow the same patient confidentiality rules as other professionals like Attorneys, Ministers/Priests, Psychologist, Psychiatrists etc.

What wildbill stated is very true. It is your secrets that help make you sick. This results in the continued use of Alcohol, Drugs and many other behavior problems as a way to forget or cover them up. Telling these secrets to another, even though confidentially, brings them into the open.

I firmly believe that those who fail at recovery are those that fail to be open and honest. How can you recover if you are not open and honest so they can be delt with by you and the therapist?

Now is the time to stop letting your feeling of embarassment rule the day. Now is time to deal with these issues.

Many years ago an OLDTIMER in AA gave me some words of wisdom that I still use and live by (in sobriety) today. "I do not drink today because I did nothing, yesterday, that I'm EMBARASSED about today".

Answer 5

Only as much as you feel comfortable,
But remember The less you tell them, the less they will be able to help you, But if you do not feel comfortable tellying them certain things then do not share.

Me personally i don't like therapists. I have something against those who try and tell me they know more about me than I do myself.

Answer 6

Share everything. They can't divulge the information to anyone so why worry? Therapists can only help you as much as you help them (by providing them with info). There's no reason to worry.

Answer 7

Everything

As the more you tell them the better idea they will have of you meaning that they will be able to give you better advice and help

Good luck with your therapy

Answer 8

Be completely honest with your therapist. Truth is the only way to heal yourself. Good luck.

Answer 9

Thats actually a personal choice, you should tell her as much as you feel comfortable with. At the same time though, the more she knows the more she can help you!

Answer 10

You need to tell your therapist every single thing that you can in order to obtain the best help.

Answer 11

If its something that bothers you go ahead and tell. The more information they know the better they will be able to help you. Also you wont feel alone with your problems.