Question

Do you think you can get effective therapy from a therapist trainee/student? I am a 45 y/o man and I can only afford the lowest fees on sliding scale therapy which is with a trainee. I'm open minded but I can definitely feel the age difference.

Answer 1

As a therapist, it is essential to maintain confidentiality, privacy, and boundaries during therapy sessions. If an adult client's mother enters the room uninvited during a session or eavesdrops on the session, it can seriously compromise the therapeutic process and the trust between the therapist and the client. In such a situation, it may be appropriate for the therapist to take certain actions:

1. Politely address the intrusion: The therapist should calmly and respectfully address the presence of the mother, reminding her that the session is a private and confidential space for the client.

2. Re-establish boundaries: Reinforce the importance of confidentiality and the need for a safe space where the client can express themselves openly.

3. Discuss the issue with the client: Depending on the client's comfort level and therapeutic relationship, the therapist might discuss how the intrusion affected them and whether they wish to continue the session or address the matter further.

4. Explore the reasons behind the intrusion: If the mother's behavior is recurring or intrusive, the therapist might discuss with the client any underlying family dynamics that could be contributing to the situation.

5. Discuss the situation in future sessions: If the client wishes, the therapist can explore the impact of the intrusion on the therapeutic process in subsequent sessions.

6. Set clear boundaries with the client and family: The therapist may remind the client about the importance of discussing boundaries and expectations with their family members regarding therapy sessions.

7. Discuss the matter with the client outside the session: If the intrusion has caused significant distress to the client, the therapist might discuss the issue during a phone call or another secure communication method.

8. Consult with a supervisor or colleague: If the therapist feels uncertain about how to handle the situation, seeking guidance from a supervisor or a trusted colleague can be helpful.

Ultimately, the therapist should prioritize the client's well-being and their right to a private therapeutic space. If the intrusion becomes a recurring issue that significantly affects the therapeutic process, the therapist and client may need to discuss alternative solutions, such as setting firmer boundaries with the client's family or exploring the option of individual therapy without external interruptions.