It's essential to share your concerns about possibly having bulimia with your therapist so that they can provide appropriate support and guidance. Therapists are bound by ethical and legal obligations to maintain client confidentiality, which means they cannot share information about you with others, including your mom, without your explicit consent, except in specific circumstances where there's a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Here are some steps you can take to discuss your concerns with your therapist and ensure that your mom doesn't find out unless you choose to involve her:
Understand therapist-client confidentiality: Before discussing your concerns, make sure you have a clear understanding of your therapist's confidentiality policy. Most therapists will explain their confidentiality guidelines during the first session. If you're uncertain, you can ask your therapist about their confidentiality practices and any limits to confidentiality.
Begin the conversation: Start the conversation with your therapist by expressing your feelings and thoughts. You can say something like, "There's something I'd like to discuss that I haven't shared with anyone, and I hope you can help me with it."
Share your concerns: Be open and honest about your feelings and behaviors related to food, body image, and any signs or symptoms you have noticed. Explain why you think you may have bulimia and what impact it is having on your life.
Discuss your desire for privacy: Let your therapist know that you are not comfortable sharing this information with your mom at this time. You can say something like, "I'd like to keep this confidential for now. I'm not ready to involve my mom in this, but I want to work on it with your support."
Request privacy explicitly: Make it clear that you do not want your therapist to disclose any information to your mom without your permission. You can say, "I trust you to keep this between us unless I say otherwise."
Ask about available resources and treatment: In addition to discussing your concerns, ask your therapist about available resources, treatment options, and how they can support you in addressing the possible bulimia.
Explore your feelings about involving your mom: While you may not be ready to involve your mom right now, it could be helpful to explore your feelings about it in therapy. Your therapist can help you understand your reasons for wanting to keep it private and consider the potential benefits of involving your mom in your recovery journey.
Remember that therapists are there to support you and provide a safe space to discuss sensitive topics. Sharing your concerns with them is an essential step towards getting the help you need. If you still feel unsure or uncomfortable about discussing this with your current therapist, consider seeking out another therapist who specializes in eating disorders and has experience in handling confidentiality concerns.