I can provide you with general insights into what therapists typically write in their notes and why they do so.
Therapists often take notes during or after a session to keep track of important information, provide continuity of care, and aid in their therapeutic process. Here are some common elements that therapists may include in their session notes:
Session summary: Therapists may jot down a brief overview of what was discussed during the session, including the topics or issues that were addressed.
Treatment goals: They might record progress toward treatment goals, modifications to the treatment plan, or new goals that emerged during the session.
Observations: Notes may include the therapist's observations about the client's emotions, behaviors, and nonverbal cues during the session.
Interventions and techniques: If specific therapeutic interventions or techniques were used during the session, therapists might document them for future reference.
Client's responses: Therapists may write down how the client responded to certain interventions or explored topics, noting any breakthroughs or challenges.
Safety concerns: If there are any safety concerns raised during the session, such as potential harm to self or others, therapists may document their assessment and actions taken.
Progress and setbacks: Notes may reflect the client's progress over time and any setbacks encountered in therapy.
Ethical considerations: Therapists may include any ethical considerations or dilemmas that arise during therapy.
Collaboration and consultation: If the therapist is part of a larger treatment team or seeks supervision or consultation, they may record these interactions in their notes.
The level of detail in therapists' notes can vary based on their own preferences, the therapeutic approach used, and legal or ethical requirements in their jurisdiction. Some therapists may prefer to take more extensive notes to aid their memory and analysis, while others might keep briefer notes to maintain a focus on the client during the session.
Regarding your specific situation, if you're curious about what your therapist writes in her notes, it is entirely appropriate to discuss this curiosity with her during a session. You can simply express your interest in understanding more about the therapeutic process and inquire about what kind of information she typically includes in her session notes. Open communication can help foster trust and a better understanding between you and your therapist.