Quote:
Originally Posted by mcl6136
Small town here and no T would have a viable practice without having many ties between clients.
Generally, it is not a problem, but in one case, when I was seeing my old, cold distant T, a friend of mine started seeing him too! It was a bit awkward, but ultimately okay and actually helped me process the feelings that led to my termination from this T.
I think this is only as problematic as we *make* it. The confidentiality can work both ways. Even on this board, it's not my intent to "out" my T.
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I agree with this. I'm not in a small town, but our town is a bit therapist-poor. Just not that many options unless you choose to drive down into the city which just isn't workable for many people. So, yes, it is pretty common that a therapist in our town will have clients that know each other; it's just kind of unavoidable particularly when you start figuring insurance availability, etc. into the mix.
So, yes, I am very aware that my therapist has clients that I probably know. Sometimes I'm aware of specifically who they are because I actually run into them there. I've even run into a couple of my own students who were seeing him. It just is what it is. It's never been a problem of confidentiality. Maybe a bit of awkwardness initially, but that was easily overcome. It wasn't like we were in therapy "about" each other, so it was pretty much a non-issue.
I have recommended my T a few times. I have no idea if those people went to see him or not. If they did and it was helpful -- great. If they didn't, that's okay to. Not really my business one way or another.