[Thalassophile]

Who here records their sessions? Do you find it helpful?

Also, does anyone's T record their sessions? If so what is the purpose?
Are or would T's ever record sessions without the client's permission?

[zoiecat]

I record all of my sessions on my phone because I dissociate so much. My T recommended that I do it. I find it EXTREMELY helpful. Not only do I forget or miss most of what happens in session, I sometimes misinterpret what he says that causes me to be upset and once I listen back, in most cases I realize that it was not as bad or as I had remembered it which calms me down quickly.

My T used to video tape my EMDR sessions about a year ago when he needed documented hours for certification. It was totally my choice and I had to sign a waiver. The videos were only used with his EMDR supervisor and he asked my permission again each session (I didn't have to sign a form each time). He always said I could withdraw permission at any time.

[stopdog]

I taped some. It was so I could assure myself that what I remembered was correct. The woman either had the worst memory ever or was just messing with me - I taped to ensure I was right and had evidence of it.

I would never give a therapist permission to tape me or if they did - I would tape also.

[Thalassophile]

Originally Posted by stopdog

I taped some. It was so I could assure myself that what I remembered was correct. The woman either had the worst memory ever or was just messing with me - I taped to ensure I was right and had evidence of it.

I would never give a therapist permission to tape me or if they did - I would tape also.

Interesting I would love to record sessions but not sure it would benefit me. I detest watching myself on camera or hearing my own voice played back so probably wouldn't be able to sit through it anyway. I still can't watch my wedding video from 8 years ago because I am in 99.9% of the shots even though it was at a time when I was happiest with my appearance.

Do you know if a T could record a session without a clients permission? I am presuming not and presuming that it is unlikely that a T would do this but something I read recently got me wondering. I mean ethically I know it would be very wrong but is it legal to do so I'm guessing not?

T would never record. Nor would I. I think we remember what we need to remember when the times ready.

[fille_folle]

I do not think T's are allowed to record without client consent except perhaps forensic T's. I would be ok with my T recording, but if she did, I would also record. I'd also need to know how the recordings were to be stored - I would require a strong security setup if they were to be stored digitally on a computer or hard drive, rather than on separate physical tapes. I also would not consent to anything that involved them being stored or backed up to the cloud. Ideally, they would be stored on a separate drive (HDD or USB drive) and encrypted.

[maybeblue]

It is unethical to record a therapy session without the client's permission. I actually think that they would need/want to have written permission because that's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Some therapists record for supervision purposes...but they can't do it if the client doesn't say it is ok.

I think the client has a lot more freedom to record if they want to. Personally I'd hate it because I'm uncomfortable enough without a tape recorder listening to me...but I can see how it could be helpful in certain situations.

[chess110417]

I would recommend recording sessions now that I've had a bad experience in therapy. I think it is very important for patients to record their sessions for evidence in case of malpractice or unethical behavior by the T.

[RaineD]

In my state it is illegal to record a conversation without the other person's knowledge and consent. In some states, it is legal to unilaterally record a conversation. So it really depends on the laws of your state, assuming you live in the US...

[ruh roh]

I audio record to help me remember when I need to. It also helps to listen with new ears, so to speak, so that I can verify if my therapist was coming across the way I thought she had been at the time. Often, I am wrong in my original recollection. Listening to the recording saves arguments later.

[doyoutrustme]

I do. Mostly I hate the sound of myself and don’t listen to them. If there is an intense session I’m glad to have it

I had a former therapist video r or done session, but could not deal with how comforted my body became dealing with difficult issues. I audio rcorded my sessions and that was very helpful for me to process things not heard or perceived differently than meant. I disagree with the previous statement posted that, “We remember what we need to remember when the time is ready.” For me, progress would have been minimal at best. I listened to them often and I have no regrets.