Treating Abuse Today 3(4) pp. 26-33 TAT: No. I don't know…
““Treating Abuse Today 3(4) pp. 26-33 TAT: No. I don't know anymore than you know they're not. But, I'm talking about boundaries and privacy here. As a therapist working with survivors, I have been harassed by people who claim to be affiliated with the false memory movement. Parents and other family members have called or written me insisting on talking with me about my patients' cases, despite my clearly indicating I can't because of professional confidentiality. I have had other parents and family members investigate me -- look into my professional background -- hoping to find something to discredit me to the patients I was seeing at the time because they disputed their memories. This isn't the kind of sober, scientific discourse you all claim you want.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The therapist highlights the tension between confidentiality and external pressure from families and memory‑recovery groups.
In simple terms: Therapists must protect client privacy despite outside demands.
Key Takeaway
Maintain strict confidentiality boundaries.
Themes
ethics
privacy
boundary‑setting
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
ethical
educational
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- legal disputes
- family counseling
- research ethics
Key Concepts
professional responsibility
memory research
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle external pressure on confidentiality?
- What policies protect therapist integrity?
A Different Perspective
Balancing transparency with confidentiality can be complex.