I don't live in a small town, but my therapist and I live near each other. When we first started working together, she told me that she had a policy of ignoring clients who she saw in public, to protect their privacy. But she would tell me whenever she'd seen me, after the fact. Sometimes I'd seen her during those times as well but wouldn't let on. And sometimes I'd see her and she wouldn't see me--like when I'd catch her driving down the street--and I wouldn't tell her.

Now we freely say hello to each other. I'm glad because I think it would feel weird otherwise. But I really try to make it as light and casual as possible. When I bumped into her at the store last weekend, she asked how I was doing (she'd just read a sad email I'd left her), and I told her I was fine, directed her to the almond milk that she was searching for, and then walked away. Sometimes I think I make the interaction overly-stilted, but I feel like I have to be careful not to overstep the boundary between us, to preserve the relationship. I do the same thing when we have yoga together. (But I have to admit that I like that she doesn't ignore me in class and has even helped me with the poses).

I know some people would never think to approach their therapist in public. I'm curious how widespread this is.