As many of you know, I work in mental health. That being said, and being a former case manager, I've seen all kinds of notes...except notes from a therapist. The individuals that I've historically worked with (I/DD and autism) do not benefit from traditional talk therapy.

I had discussed therapy notes with my T and she said she didn't know why I'd ever want to read them because they are very cut and dry and devoid of detail. Now I know.

One of my MI Supported Employment clients had notes from his therapist in his file. I have never seen such a boring note in my entire life...it went something like this (not actually from the file, I'm making it up, but similar):

Client stated he was having problem with _____. Clinician suggested to client that he try ______. Client explained why he didn't think _____ would help him with _____. In the past, client had problem with doing _____, which would make it difficult to do _____ now. Clinician suggested _____ as an alternative. Client stated that this might work for him. Client wanted to know more information about ______.

Even dietary notes for I/DD individuals in group homes are more thrilling than this! I think my T is right; I don't think I would gain anything from reading my own notes. When she described what she writes in her notes, is was exactly like what was written above. Considering how detailed the notes I used to write were, I thought she might have been downplaying it. She wasn't.