Yes, it is generally considered appropriate and standard practice for a therapist to ask family members, including parents, not to eavesdrop during therapy sessions. Therapy is a confidential and private space where clients should feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly without fear of judgment or breaches of privacy.
When a therapist asks a client's mother (or any other family member) not to eavesdrop, they are protecting the therapeutic relationship and ensuring that the client can speak freely and honestly about their experiences. Eavesdropping can hinder the therapeutic process by creating a sense of distrust and inhibiting open communication between the client and the therapist.
Therapists are bound by strict ethical guidelines, which include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of their clients. It is essential for clients to feel that what they share during sessions remains confidential unless there are specific legal exceptions or situations that require reporting, such as imminent harm to self or others.
If a client wishes to involve their family in therapy or share specific information with them, the therapist can discuss the appropriate way to do so while still respecting the client's boundaries and confidentiality. The therapist's primary responsibility is to the client's well-being and therapeutic progress, and creating a confidential environment is a fundamental aspect of that responsibility.