T attending a client's play?

Haley_12 · Nov 24, 2013, 08:54 PM

I have a friend (an actor in NYC) who said his therapist has been to the past couple of plays he's been in. Is this crossing a boundary?

To broaden the question, is it crossing a boundary if a therapist attends an event like this (i.e., a play, art opening, concert) that their client is a part of? Just wondering... seems harmless enough, and shows the therapist is supportive of their client.

Victoria'smom · Nov 25, 2013, 01:23 AM

I think it's fine because it's a public event. The therapist doesn't even have to acknowledge the client until session.

Asiablue · Nov 25, 2013, 02:26 AM

Personally i think it's a really nice and positive thing for a therapist to do and reflects the relationship between client and therapist. I don't think it needs to be a boundary crossing, the thing about boundaries are that they are personal to each person so there's no blanket rule about what is a boundary crossing and what isn't. Really it's about what each person is comfortable with.

anilam · Nov 25, 2013, 03:22 AM

Did your friend ask T to come? Or did T wanted to see this play? i.e. Is the T there as T or as "normal" human being?

If both sides are OK with it (and discussed the reasons behind it to make sure they are not missing stg) I don't see it as boundary crossing. Though it would be for me- no way I'd like to meet my T outside of therapy room. I guess it depends on the ppl involved.

Bloem · Nov 25, 2013, 06:47 AM

My old T saw different play's i was in. And my new group T has also saw one play. My current T not yet, but she told me that she would like to come when i play again.

I always liked it!

A Red Panda · Nov 25, 2013, 07:52 AM

My T told me that if I had been in the play and not working backstage that he would have came. So as far as I know he didn't, even though his coworker had one of the leading roles! hahaha.

I think that unless someone specifically asks the T to not come, then it's a-ok. It's not like it isn't a hugely public event anyway. And there's no way you'd have time to scan the audience to see them anyway!

stopdog · Nov 25, 2013, 10:54 AM

The client's boundaries or the therapists? I don't think it is a black or white concept and it depends upon the boundaries of which party, in my opinion.

GeorgiaGirl413 · Nov 25, 2013, 11:07 AM

It's a public event. Did the T come to see the client specifically, or were they coming to see the play anyway. Depending on where we live and what we do for a living, I think it is always within the realm of possibility that we are going to run into our T's outside the therapy room. It's what is done with that experience, if anything, inside the therapy room that makes a difference. For example, my last T saw me at a social event. She and I did not, however, socialize with each other. She did mention at my next visit that she had "observed me interacting with others" and that knowing how depressed I was she knew that it must have been really hard work for me to be so warm and welcoming to others. Part of me wanted to go ballistic! What the hell was she doing "observing me"? And part of me was touched that she cared enough to do so and that she understood how difficult it was for me (because it was and is). Now that I think about it, I never discussed with her that I was upset in the least. Maybe I should have. I do know that from that point on I avoided events where I thought she might be present.

RTerroni · Nov 25, 2013, 11:28 AM

I think it's a great idea, did he end up talking to his Therapist afterwords.

In the same way if my Therapist was part of a public event (such as a musical performance or play) than I would definitely try to attend it, and even talk to them afterwords.

Haley_12 · Nov 27, 2013, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anilam

Did your friend ask T to come? Or did T wanted to see this play? i.e. Is the T there as T or as "normal" human being?

If both sides are OK with it (and discussed the reasons behind it to make sure they are not missing stg) I don't see it as boundary crossing. Though it would be for me- no way I'd like to meet my T outside of therapy room. I guess it depends on the ppl involved.

I think my friend had asked him to attend and they discussed it beforehand.

Follow up question... is it ok for the therapist to bring their significant other or a friend to such an event (as long as confidentiality is respected)?

Rzay4 · Nov 27, 2013, 06:58 PM

I felt honored when my long term T wanted to come to my musical. She couldn't make it but it's the thought that counts. So no not weird at all. Heartwarming at the least.

Haley_12 · Apr 21, 2014, 10:26 PM

I know this is an old thread, but... is it ok for the therapist to bring their significant other or a friend to a client's play or other important event (as long as confidentiality is respected)?

tametc · Apr 21, 2014, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haley_12

I know this is an old thread, but... is it ok for the therapist to bring their significant other or a friend to a client's play or other important event (as long as confidentiality is respected)?

I think if discussed beforehand with the client, and with the client's permission, it would be OK. Otherwise, probably not a good idea, and difficult to maintain confidentiality.

blur · Apr 22, 2014, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haley_12

I know this is an old thread, but... is it ok for the therapist to bring their significant other or a friend to a client's play or other important event (as long as confidentiality is respected)?

i don't think there are any hard & fast rules about this. i personally don't see a problem with it, do you?

AllyIsHopeful · Apr 22, 2014, 01:04 AM

I don't see a problem with it. Seems like a very supportive Therapist.

Apr 22, 2014, 01:33 AM

I wouldn't think it's crossing a boundary, as long as both parties are fine with it. Some people have a more rigid view how psychotherapy should be, while others are a little more loose. Either one is fine.

07:55 AM

My pdoc and his wife attend my concerts. I'm honored he thinks of me. Of course, I've never actually seen them, but we do multiple concerts over a period of days in a concert hall that seats 3,000 on 5 levels, so it would be purely coincidental if I actually saw them much less ran into them. My T isn't much of a classical music fan, so I doubt he would come.

unaluna · Apr 22, 2014, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haley_12

I know this is an old thread, but... is it ok for the therapist to bring their significant other or a friend to a client's play or other important event (as long as confidentiality is respected)?

Animals usually travel in pairs on the ark, dont they? Ie the social convention is to attend such functions in pairs or groups or even alone. But are you asking if the t is working or not? And therefore charging for their time?

Haley_12 · Apr 26, 2014, 08:40 PM

I guess the reasons I found it odd are the following:

1. My friend was actually nude in the play (not that it should matter, since it was a public event... but... does it matter?)

2. The therapist brought their significant other. What if their partner commented on my friend (good or bad)... did the therapist just keep quiet? I don't see how a therapist could truly keep confidentiality with their partner. Wouldn't they be tempted to say "that's my client!" in the moment? I don't know...

The whole thing seems awkward. But maybe I'm over thinking it. Thanks for the feedback.

unaluna · Apr 27, 2014, 04:14 AM

I think naked changes everything. "Wanna go see a naked guy?" Im already there. Thats art.

Apr 27, 2014, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haley_12

I guess the reasons I found it odd are the following:

1. My friend was actually nude in the play (not that it should matter, since it was a public event... but... does it matter?)

2. The therapist brought their significant other. What if their partner commented on my friend (good or bad)... did the therapist just keep quiet? I don't see how a therapist could truly keep confidentiality with their partner. Wouldn't they be tempted to say "that's my client!" in the moment? I don't know...

The whole thing seems awkward. But maybe I'm over thinking it. Thanks for the feedback.

My guess is your friend is much less hung up about being seen nude in the context of this play than you are. After all, he/she auditioned for , rehearsed, and chose to perform this role.

I honestly wouldn't worry about the confidentiality. Doesn't seem it would be necessary at all that he knew any of the actors.