Hi all,

I have some questions about both former therapist and new therapist talking with each other.

The former therapist contacted the new therapist stating that she would like to speak with her. The new therapist said that I have the final word on her speaking with the former therapist or not. However, the new therapist said that if she talks with the former therapist, she would not share any details of the conversation with me.

I feel that I'm placed in a difficult position. For one, I would not have any say over what the former therapist would share or not share with the new therapist. Secondly, I would have no details on their conversation.

The new therapist said that she usually gives her patients a summary of the conversation with their former therapist, but filter out painful, difficult details. However, the new therapist said that I'm an exceptional case in that I'm intense and would be able to sniff out any painful, difficult details that she did not convey to me. The new therapist said that I might feel betrayed or hurt. To avoid this situation, the new therapist would choose not to share any details with me at all if she were to speak with the former therapist.

I appreciate the new therapist looking out for me. On one hand, I want the truth even if the truth hurts. On the other hand, there's a part of me that would want the new therapist to filter out painful, difficult details.

What are my rights as the patient? I would be okay with the former therapist speaking with the new therapist only if I know beforehand what the former therapist would say to the new therapist. However, the former therapist is not willing to meet with me.