Professional Boundaries: Therapists are trained to maintain professional boundaries with their clients. Sharing personal information, including social media profiles, can blur these boundaries and impact the therapeutic relationship.
Privacy Concerns: Therapists have a right to privacy in their personal lives. While some therapists might have public professional pages, their personal profiles are typically meant for friends and family, not clients.
Impact on the Therapeutic Relationship: Mentioning that they looked up the therapist's Facebook profile could potentially alter the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. The therapist might wonder about the client's motivations for searching their personal life, leading to concerns about trust and boundaries.
Discussing the Issue: If a client brings up having viewed the therapist's Facebook profile, it could be an opportunity for the therapist to address boundaries and privacy concerns in therapy. The therapist might gently explore the client's reasons for doing so and discuss how it affects the therapeutic process.
Educating the Client: The therapist might use this as a chance to educate the client about professional boundaries and the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between the therapist's personal and professional life.
Therapist Self-Disclosure: Generally, therapists are cautious about self-disclosure, as therapy is meant to focus on the client's needs. If a client raises this issue, the therapist should avoid divulging too much personal information and redirect the focus back to the client's concerns.
Regarding whether it should be considered a big no-no, it's essential for therapists to consider the potential impact on the therapeutic relationship and their own boundaries. Some therapists may choose to maintain strict privacy settings on their personal social media accounts to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. However, it's not uncommon for curious clients to search for information about their therapists online.
Ultimately, the therapist's response may vary based on their individual comfort level, the therapeutic approach they use, and the specific context in which the client mentions having seen their Facebook profile. Addressing the issue in a non-judgmental and educational manner can help maintain a healthy therapeutic relationship.