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Can I give my journal to my therapist?
Yes, Yes, and I think it’s helpful for the therapist to read what you want them to red in your journal. WHy? because sometimes you have a thought and forget to bring it up to the therapy session. You can always discuss this with your therapist during the break session a month later. What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you. Your therapist’s relationship with you exists between sessions, even if you don’t communicate with each other. She thinks of your conversations, as well, continuing to reflect on key moments as the week unfolds. She may even reconsider an opinion she had or an intervention she made during a session. Unlike other medical records, therapy notes are subject to special protections, which means you can request them, but that doesn’t mean your therapist has any obligation to let you see them. This article discusses your rights with regards to therapy notes as well as the potential pros and cons of reading them. Looking ahead. Sharing something you think is too sensitive or personal can be uncomfortable. But know you’re not alone in thinking you’ve disclosed too much in therapy. When this happens, it can help to explore why you think you’ve overshared and talk it over with your therapist.
Why do therapist want you to journal?
Benefits of therapeutic journaling Keeping a record of ideas and concepts, or things you learn in therapy. Tracking your progress. Helping to make sense of thoughts and experiences, and organizing them in a meaningful way. Helping you to recognize patterns in thoughts, feelings or behavior. “Therapists’ process notes are to help therapists solidify memories of important details, themes to come back to, or noteworthy elements of the therapy process,” she says. “These small bits of information help us remember where we left off when we meet again and help us track the progress of therapy.” Psychotherapy is, for the most part, confidential. Patients of mental health providers like psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers reasonably expect that their in-therapy disclosures will remain private. After you unpack your feelings, your therapist might provide you with some insight in response or help you deconstruct and synthesize what you just shared. They also might give you a task or something to think about if they think it’s important for your process.