If you tell your therapist that you want to kill somebody or harm others, it is a serious matter, and they are legally and ethically obligated to take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of both you and potential victims. The therapist's primary concern will be to prevent harm and protect all parties involved.
In such a situation, here's what typically happens:
Immediate safety assessment: The therapist will conduct an immediate assessment of the risk to determine the level of danger. They may ask you more questions about your thoughts and intentions to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.
Duty to warn or protect: In many jurisdictions, therapists have a "duty to warn" or a "duty to protect." This means that if there is a credible threat of harm to a specific person, the therapist may have to inform the potential victim, the authorities, or both, to prevent harm from occurring.
Involvement of authorities: Depending on the severity of the threat and the laws in the therapist's jurisdiction, they may be required to report the situation to law enforcement or mental health crisis teams.
Crisis intervention: If the therapist determines that there is an imminent risk of harm, they may take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This could involve contacting emergency services or arranging for hospitalization or other appropriate intervention.
Safety planning: In less severe situations, the therapist will work with you to develop a safety plan to manage and cope with the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. This plan may involve identifying triggers, coping strategies, and support systems.
Collaboration with other professionals: The therapist may need to consult with other mental health professionals or team members to ensure the most appropriate and effective response to the situation.
It's important to understand that while therapists respect client confidentiality, there are legal and ethical limits to this confidentiality. The duty to protect others from harm takes precedence in situations involving threats of violence. The goal of these actions is to prevent harm and provide support and intervention to the individual experiencing these thoughts.
If you are struggling with violent thoughts or intentions, it is essential to be open and honest with your therapist. They are there to help you and will work with you to find the most appropriate and supportive response to your situation. Seeking help can be a critical step towards getting the support and treatment you need.