Is it okay that my therapist records our sessions?

My new therapist asked me to sign a contract, and I thought it would be all the usual things, but was rather surprised to learn that he wanted to record every session. We had already had 2 sessions before this - I don't know whether or not these were recorded or not.

I asked if this was for reflection purposes. He seemed to say yes, and then said he rarely listens back to them anyway and they get deleted after 4 weeks.

Do you think this is okay or something to worry about?

I really don't want to change therapists again as my last therapist ended things very abruptly and I've found this very traumatic. 

  • it depends on the company/group policy. They may refuse to talk to you if recording is not allowed as it is standard practice in some places.  They sometimes get input from say another therapists if things arent going well or if the therapist gets worried about something. It is also protection for the therapist against false allegations etc.   They can also be used for training or a second therapist could be mentoring him. 

    There was no harm is asking what they are for and to say that being recorded is preventing you from speaking.

    Thats the thing to say

    "that being recorded is preventing you from speaking and saying things you want to say"

     hopefully they will then stop recording

  • It’s only ok to record your therapy sessions if you consent to them being recorded. 

    If I were you, then I would ask your therapist why they want to record the sessions; how would the recordings be stored to ensure that your confidentiality was maintained; is this the usual procedure for this particular therapy practice.

    The very fact that you appear uncomfortable with the idea of having your therapy sessions recorded, suggests that withholding consent might be the best option.

  • Maybe the contract should say that they re deleted in 4 weeks and also what he intends to do with them in the interim.

  • I record meetings as I’m useless at taking notes, someone goes through them later and writes them up.

    I don’t think there is anything to worry about.

    Generally speaking they protect the client and not the Practictioner, they are evidence of things that didn’t seem important at the time were said.

  • I would ask that he offers a reminder at each meeting and checks your still ok with it, rather than getting you to sign a contract and the chance of forgetting down the line. It could be something he likes to do to ensure he is able to double check he is taking notes correctly. It could be entirely innocent. It should be clear in the contract that they will not be passed on or used without your permission and they will be deleted after the four week period.

  • If you think it will make you uncomfortable enough to hold back and not get the most out of your sessions I’d ask if he can just hand write notes. If he says he deletes them after a few weeks without listening I would imagine he may have had trouble before where he’s been accused of something that wasn’t true and is saving evidence in case it happens again

  • It's OK to say no. Would he mind just taking notes. At least until you feel comfortable with him. 

    It doesn't help him help you if you feel unsafe or even slighly compromised. You'll hold back information and he won't be able to do his job with out a proper evaluation. He might already be aware of this and I suppose if he's OK giving it a pass for now a good therapist would understand earning trust is far better long-term.