The appropriateness of adding a therapist as a friend on Facebook, or any other social media platform, is a matter of professional boundaries and ethical considerations. It's generally not recommended for clients to add their former therapists as friends on social media, even after they have stopped attending counseling sessions. Here's why:
Maintaining Boundaries: Therapists are trained to maintain professional boundaries with their clients to ensure that the therapeutic relationship remains focused on the client's well-being and not the therapist's personal life. Becoming friends on social media can blur those boundaries and may create confusion about the nature of the relationship.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Social media platforms often provide personal information about individuals, their friends, and their activities. Adding a former therapist on Facebook could inadvertently expose personal aspects of their life, affecting the client's privacy and confidentiality.
Potential for Misinterpretation: If a former client and therapist become friends on social media, it can lead to potential misinterpretations or misunderstandings about the intentions or dynamics of their relationship. This may be especially true if the client continues to view the therapist as a source of support and guidance.
Dual Relationships: In the field of mental health, it's essential to avoid dual relationships, where a professional relationship extends beyond its intended scope. Adding a former therapist on social media can create a dual relationship that may not be in the client's best interest.
If you have developed a positive and respectful relationship with your former therapist, it's understandable that you may feel a sense of attachment or fondness toward them. However, it's generally best to keep the therapist-client relationship within the therapeutic context.
If you want to maintain a connection or express gratitude to your former therapist, a more appropriate way to do so is by sending a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for their help during your counseling journey.
Remember that each therapist may have their own policies or guidelines regarding social media interactions, but in general, it is advisable to maintain professional boundaries and avoid connecting with former therapists on personal social media accounts.