It’s hard to avoid all the stories about therapy notes in the media at the moment. I’m glad of it really, glad that we’re talking about it. Every seasoned therapist has, I imagine, experienced the gut wrenching realisation that we haven’t been told about a sexual assault or rape because our client, current, prospective, maybe past, has a well-grounded concern about how her (usually) notes could be used in court.
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As part of providing safe, ethical and effective psychotherapy, I maintain minimal clinical notes/records. These are in line with Irish professional guidelines (IAHIP, PSI) and the Data Protection Acts 2018/GDPR[1][2][3] and support continuity of care, safeguarding, and professional accountability.
We are blessed with a small but fabulous choice of pubs and eateries near where I live. It’s a tourist haven for six months of the year, attracting people from all around the world. It’s a seriously gorgeous place.
It also draws people home from all around the world, to reunite with loved ones, have the craic, maybe an oul “dalliance” or two… maybe a bump of coke…
I recently read a non-fiction book about a colleague that was deeply chilling – though not, truth be told, terribly surprising. Of course, not every therapist is abusive, coercive, or amoral like the individual described in that book. And, on paper, this colleague looks perfectly fine. (Plus, oddly, I owe my return to writing to them.)
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I’ve been doing other things lately – staying away from writing, and from posting on social media as much as I used to. A couple of people have expressed curiosity about that – and here’s what I tell them:
Continue readingThere are a few reasons. I’ve been pondering each of them this morning, coffee in hand, wondering how best to fill the unexpected gap created by two cancellations – courtesy of this year’s remarkably efficient flu virus.
I’ve been asked a few times since it aired if I’ve met kids like Jamie. Truth? I have, yes.
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Yesterday a guy explained to me that most women would be up for crying rape if they thought the guy they just had sex with had money.
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I was, still am a little, in two minds about posting this. But here it is. Over a week old. Because technology and I have a difficult relationship at present.. (as in, I hate it… and I think it hates me…) Maybe it’s best I had time to calm down. I’ve edited out some expletives…but
I am still nauseated by the ConorMcGregor story. Not just by what he almost certainly did, and his whiny rantings after being found liable. But also by the sadly predictable onslaught of misogyny directed at both his victim(s) – and his partner. No doubt in some sad corner of the internet someone’s blaming his mother…
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“I’m sorry” – powerful words aren’t they?
The best thing about saying “I’m sorry” is that it does all of these things:
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This is more of an announcement-for-parents-of-teens than my usual blog-style email for everyone on my mailing list. I’m writing to tell you that I’m making a significant change to my practice which might be relevant to you and your teen.
I’m aware that there are many parents among you who are deeply concerned for your teens’ emotional wellbeing. That you’ve been searching for support for them and are possibly on multiple waiting lists – maybe even mine.
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