It's important to communicate honestly with your therapist about your concerns and experiences. Therapists are bound by confidentiality, and they cannot share information with anyone, including your mom, without your explicit permission, except in certain circumstances where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Here are some steps you can take to talk to your therapist about your concerns regarding bulimia without involving your mom:
Understand therapist-patient confidentiality: Before discussing anything with your therapist, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the confidentiality rules and limits. You can ask your therapist about their confidentiality policy during your next session.
Choose the right time and setting: Find a comfortable and private space during your therapy session to discuss your concerns openly.
Express your intentions: At the beginning of the conversation, let your therapist know that you want to discuss a sensitive topic that you're not ready to share with your mom at this point.
Be honest about your struggles: Share your feelings, experiences, and concerns about potential bulimia without holding back. Your therapist needs to understand your situation to provide you with appropriate support.
Ask about confidentiality: If you have any doubts or worries about confidentiality, you can ask your therapist to clarify their policies and how they handle situations where there might be a potential conflict.
Discuss your fears: If you're concerned about your mom finding out, explain your reasons to your therapist. They can work with you to find the best approach for managing this situation while ensuring you receive the necessary help.
Work on a treatment plan: If your therapist agrees that you may be dealing with bulimia or any other eating disorder, they can help you develop a treatment plan to address your concerns. This plan may involve therapy sessions, potential referrals to specialists, or other appropriate interventions.
Involve your mom when you're ready: While it's important to seek support for your struggles, you can decide when and how to involve your mom in the process. Your therapist can support you in figuring out the right time to include your mom in your recovery journey if that's something you'd like to do.
Remember that your therapist is there to support you and help you navigate through difficult emotions and challenges. Open and honest communication with your therapist will enable them to provide the best possible care and support. If you're uncertain about discussing this with your current therapist, consider finding a specialized therapist who has experience in treating eating disorders to ensure you receive the most appropriate help.