[growlycat]

As I signed a release for T to pass records to whoever new T will be, I noticed there was a check box so I could get a copy. So I did.

Sorry if this has come up as a thread before-- Just wondering if you ever got your records and transference was specifically mentioned? Kind of wondering if I even want to see my records.

[Ididitmyway]

Yes, I did see my records. All my Ts gave them to me upon my written request. Some of them were disturbing for me to read. Records writing is yet another area in which a therapist's professionalism and ethics or lack of therof shows clearly. My transference was mentioned in the records of two therapists and not in professional terms that would've been acceptable to me. So, yeah, it wasn't a pleasant experience reading the records.

[stopdog]

I would never let one therapist obtain the records from another one.

I've actually never had a therapist share their files with another therapist. I'd prefer they just get to know me themselves. I do allow my T and my Pdoc to communicate about me when needed, but they don't actually share their file. They just take a few minutes on the phone to consult (and I've always been present when they've done so).

As far as seeing my own file goes, I'm really not interested. T's shown me his notes on a few occasions. There really isn't anything earth-shattering in there that I don't already know because I was present when we talked. I'd be more interested in my pdoc file as it is more medical and includes hospital reports, but I haven't been curious enough to ask for it.

[growlycat]

If I had a toxic relationship with a T, I wouldn't have any interest in sharing records.

However, I feel that T's approach although shaky at first became rather effective. It may be easier for new T to get a rough idea. Doubt new person will read 3 years of notes anyways. I'll probably have them talk to each other by phone.

[atisketatasket]

I know this has come up before, but are records and session notes the same? My impression is they weren't.

My No. 1 was disciplined for not sharing records with a client in a timely fashion.

[Ididitmyway]

Originally Posted by atisketatasket

I know this has come up before, but are records and session notes the same? My impression is they weren't.

My No. 1 was disciplined for not sharing records with a client in a timely fashion.

"Notes" and "records" are often used interchangeably in conversations between therapists, however, "records" is the official term when you make a request to see them. Notes are also referred to what a therapist may write down while listening to a client in session. Those aren't official records, it's just any information a client reports that a therapist deems important and doesn't want to forget. It's kind of like a therapist's journal which contains information that helps them analyze the case.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I gave permission to current T to see my record from ex-T. She didn't want them. She said she wanted to get to know me from me and not some papers ir opinions of someone else. She did talk to ex-T to find out how she conducted therapy with me. She said she didn't learn much except to be aware that I can write a lot.

[iheartjacques]

I gave permission for my psychologist to read my psychiatrist's notes as they work in the same practice. It brought her up to speed and I didn't have to "tell" my story again. And it means I can talk to both of them about stuff happening without having to explain everything all over again because I only get 10 psychologist sessions a year but I can see the psychiatrist every fortnight (he does meds and talk therapy)

[iheartjacques]

I was just really lucky that I got a great psychiatrist although it took me a long time to trust him (I have massive trust issues with guys) and a really great psychologist, I usually find it hard to 'click' with a lot of them.

[Soccer mom]

I've thought about asking for my record to be sent to my therapist. My ex-T was harmful to me and I'm curious what she has said. However, I would not want to read them myself and would have to leave it up to current T. if she shared much. I guess I hope it confirms all my feelings and T's frustration with ex-T.

[rothfan6]

My t wrote a letter with my diagnosies to take to a pdoc and a brief description of things but he intentionally kept it pretty simple. He said he wanted to protect me and since I wasn't sure if I would go back to that person he didn't want to give them all of my stuff out right. Maybe your t will do something like that?

[therapyishelping777]

I really appreciate my T Ethics, when I asked if he wanted to see the records from prev T, he said he wanted to find out in therapy with me himself and make his own judgements.so to say.. no his words per say but the idea