I was asked once to sign the release of information form by a couple's therapist for her to talk to my and my husband's individual therapists. I refused. I never saw the value in such communications when the client has a relatively stable mind and can answer all the questions pertaining to their work with other therapists. I couldn't understand why she just couldn't ask me and my husband about anything in regards to our individual therapies. If she didn't trust that we would tell the truth, this was a non-starter, because I believe some basic level of trust is imperative for therapy to even start.

When I asked her why she needed it, she said it was just to consult with our therapists on how to help us better. I thought it would be much more productive to consult directly with me and my husband on how to help us better, because this was OUR therapy for which WE were paying, and, therefore, we had to be active participants in that process and had the right to have our say in how our therapy should be conducted. Long story short, we stopped seeing her because of that. I think, all the necessary information can be obtained directly from the client, and if the therapist feels that a communication with the client's previous therapist or any other health provider is absolutely necessary, it has to be run by the client. In other words, the client has to be absolutely comfortable with the idea and have a clear understanding of why such communication is needed. And, the other requirement for me would be transparency. I need to be fully informed about what was shared during that exchange.