Hi Shlosita,

This is an interesting point that you have made.

What I write now, is based on my personal experience only.

My therapist is only able to deal with what I disclose.

If I have not specifically stated something, it can not be addressed and I can't really rely on my therapist for advice for something which is not said.

Also, I tend to have a distinction between what I might consult a medical doctor about and what I might discuss with my therapist. Of course there can be an overlap between the two.

I am somewhat thinking that you may have consulted a doctor about STD, or you may not have.

This may be a good starting point - because you are quite right, there is concern over the physical risk that is involved here.

Remember, there really isn't much that therapists and doctors haven't heard before. That's what I remind myself when opening up to them. I have to remember that they are part of my care support team, and that they are knowledgable trained professionals to support me.

So my strategy is the constant remindering to myself, they're part of my network towards recovery and they can deal with what they know and I choose to disclose.