Is my therapist allowed to tell my mum that I cut myself? I've been seeing a therapist to deal with bulimia, because I'm pregnant and I realized that I had to do it for the sake of the child, but I'm also a cutter (it's not recent, I've been doing it since I was 11). I was simply wondering if my therapist would be allowed to mention this to my mum. And I'm not suicidal, I have no plans to purposely harm myself to the point of the injury being lethal.
2007-12-23 16:16:21 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I'm 16, by the way.
2007-12-23 16:23:21 · update #1
The reason I don't wish my mum to find out is because when my parents found out about my pregnancy, my father tried to murder my boyfriend and then kicked my brother and me (whom they said encouraged me merely by supporting my decision to keep the child) out for 2 weeks before relenting because they thought they may get into trouble. I'd really rather not have to get into a huge argument and be kicked out again.
2007-12-23 16:38:48 · update #2
It depends on the therapist. Some believe they have the right to expose information only if your harming yourself or someone else, although they usually warn you that they may expose information. I would ask your therapist wether they would intend on telling your mum.
2007-12-23 16:25:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are only sixteen and your mother has come to terms with your pregnancy, then why do you worry about her finding out that you are a cutter???
It sounds to me like your mother will support you and love you for who you are and you don't have to keep secrets from her, and if she knows that you are a cutter she may be able to help you find a way through this.
Don't worry about whether or not your therapist tells your mum, instead work out a way you can tell her so that she can give you some much need support.
Hugs from me.
PS As you are under the age of 18 your therapist can legally tell your mum. But unless he / she feels there is a threat then it is unlikely.
2007-12-23 16:35:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He isn't "supposed" to tell anything, but he can. When I was 14, I saw a therapist a few times. He'd tell my mom alot of what I said, since she was the one paying and she would ask. So without confidentiality, the therapy didn't work for me.
You should get confidence from both your therapist and your mom that your conversation is being kept private. Explain that promising privacy is the only way therapy can work, since it is supposed to be an unlocking of the door of the deeper thoughts and motives of people... and if trust is gone, then the door gets locked for the therapist and the therapy doesn't work.
2007-12-23 16:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by macgegger 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it's not a wonder you are having mental illness issues, hon. sorry to say, your father is a nutbag...
people who cut usually have unresolved issues which have never been faced, or dealt with... have you discussed this with your therapist? It might be a good idea to get to the underlying reasons... maybe it will help, maybe not. Your therapist hopefully knows you well enough to decide whether to explore this avenue or not.
Cutting can lead to long-term health problems, such as lymph gland issues, for one. Cutting can be lethal in the long-term.
You can probably get support and information on the internet too, by doing a search for SELF-HARM SELF-HELP, or SELF HARM SUPPORT FORUMS. Lots of people who have the same issues as many of us out there, and sometimes a forum or chat can be very helpful and insightful.
Please remember a few sessions of therapy is not going to help -- you really need to go long-term, for your sake, as well as the sake of your unborn child. Life coping skills are valuable tools you can learn now, and carry them throughout your lifetime.
I hope you get some good answers here, and that your father sees he has issues, too, and gets help for HIMSELF!
If your parents don't have good, solid information on bulemia and self-harm, you can find quite a lot of material to print out on the internet, as well.
hugz
2007-12-23 16:47:44 · answer #4 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is good that you are seeking and receiving the help or that you realise that you need help. Legally if your therapist is aware of a life-threatening situation he/she is legally responsible for your well-being and to see that you do no harm to yourself or anyone else. No they are not to disclose information to your mother if you are under-aged or not exhibiting signs of suicide or hurting someone else. They may be sued for wrongful death if they are aware of a situation and do nothing about it. If you have to ask if your therapist is allowed to inform your mom of your cutting and you are dealing with buliemia then you definitely need to allow your therapist know everything EVERYTHING! You are not only dealing with your life, you are responsible for the life of your unborn child. You are getting into a big legal issue here.Talk honestly with your therapist. You could die from complications of pregnancy or from a miscarriage, not even from the cutting or eating disorder. Your baby could very well have problems even if you carry it to term. Ask for help and get it and not worry what your mom knows or does not know. This is a very dangerous situation that you are living.
2007-12-23 16:56:47 · answer #5 · answered by Jean 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It kind of depends on how bad, for one he may put you in a hospital if its bad. You said you don't hurt yourself to a leathel level in a way you have your bulimia can kill you and your child will notice in time the cutting. I'm sure you can remember things of your childhood. I have seen lady's lose there children for less. Your mom may be the lest of your worrys. I hope the best for you.
2007-12-23 16:38:45 · answer #6 · answered by Jennifer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, unless he is worried you are going to really hurt yourself ( kill yourself) or someone else... That is onloy if your under 18. If your over 18 the therapist could not tell your mom anything but would have you hospitalized but like I said only if your really going to do bad harm to yourself.
2007-12-23 16:24:33 · answer #7 · answered by MDMA NO WAY 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. he is not allowed tell her...
but on the other hand. you should probably think about getting help with the cutting, and work out the reason why you feel like you have to. maybe its because it gives you a sense of control over yourself?
its different with alot of people, i had a friend who use to do it...
2007-12-23 16:25:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think if he believes you are putting yourself unnecessarily at risk, then he can. I'm glad you're seeking the help you need, however. You're taking the right steps by realising how important your baby is, as well as your own health. The best of luck with everything.
2007-12-23 23:30:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only if you are sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
2007-12-23 16:29:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋