Recording sessions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.