Have you ever requested your records from your T?

It has been 9 months since I was terminated due to my "maternal transference" which was actually inflamed by my therapist's inability to help me. I have processed it enough to know that she was emotionally abusive to me and a few therapists have told me I could file a complaint. I don't feel like going through that process and new T. has been wonderful helping me name what happened, etc.

I wonder if there would be any benefit to asking for a copy of my records to be sent to new T. I'm not sure I would read them for fear that it would set me back in my healing. But, I have the thought that perhaps it would help current T. help me. There's also a curiosity.

Have any of you asked for your records?

Yes, I have asked for my records.

The first time I did it because I wanted to see what he wrote about me. It wasn't a good experience. The language he used in his notes was hurtful and offensive, not professional at all, so all it proved to me is that he was a jerk, as I had experienced him in sessions.

The second time I requested the records because I filed a complaint to the board. I wanted to see the records before sending the complaint so I could amend them in case I don't like something in there. In CA a patient has the right to amend their records if they believe a therapist documented something incorrectly. In that case, a patient writes their correction separately for each item in the records they object and a therapist is supposed to attach their amendment to the records whenever the third party asks for the records. At least, this was the case when I filed the complaint.

I understand the desire to have your new T to read the records from the former T. I don't know if this will give her any important information about what happened in your previous therapy, but it might, so, yeah, I do get it.

If you are moving forward in your healing, I would not advise it. if you feel like you and your therapist reach a point when you are "stuck" then maybe it would be beneficial.

As to have I gotten my records, no. Although I did read my initial intake report from my psychiatrist when she sent it to my primary care doctor (PCP and I were in the same office so I had access). I've thought about requesting additional records for curiousity more than anything. But I finish with her in one week and will not be seeing a new psychiatrist. I'm feeling it's a good time to "un-medicalize" my mental health, so I don't think I'll get them.

I just got some of my records from the T I ended with a month ago. I still need some that are missing but its helpful to have them.