Q:Do I have to tell my therapist everything about every issue? What if I don’t feel comfortable revealing some facts? Can I still effectively address surrounding issues? A. The fact that you’re wondering whether to tell your therapist something is a clue it’s something your therapist needs to know! It’s your therapist’s job to put together seemingly disparate pieces to a puzzle, in order to help you see connections and make healthy changes.When you withhold pieces of the puzzle, you risk limiting the effectiveness of your therapy.
Think about your reasons for wanting to withhold information. Is it shame about things you have done or experienced? Do you have difficulty trusting the therapist? Do you often withhold parts of yourself in relationships? I encourage you to talk to your therapist about your hesitation to fully disclose. A good therapist can help you resolve your difficulty. The very act of exploring your reasons for wanting to withhold information can be an important part of a therapeutic process.
Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D.
159 Green Street 351 Manville Road, Suite 101 Kingston, NY 12401 Pleasantville, NY 10570 845-338-3250 914-539-2646