If thereâs one person in the world that you should feel comfortable sharing everything with, itâs your therapist. Their job is to listen without judgment and help you work through whatever issues youâre struggling with. Plus, thereâs very little you could tell them that would shock them. Iâm sure theyâve heard it all before.Â
But there are a few things patients can say that require the mental health professional to file a report. When one teen was honest with her therapist about her momâs behavior, she ended up getting a visit from child protective services. Now, sheâs wondering if she should have kept her mouth shut. Below, youâll find the full story that the teen shared on Reddit, as well as some of the replies invested readers left her. Â
Patients should feel comfortable sharing anything with their therapist
Teen girl sitting on floor with head in hands, looking distressed, next to a backpack, depicting regret and CPS troubles.
Being a teenager isnât easy. Youâre pumped full of hormones as your body goes through puberty, and youâre starting to feel like an adult, while everyone insists on treating you like a child. You might feel angsty and frustrated, but talking about your feelings may seem like an impossible task. You want to be accepted by your peers, but youâre trying to figure out exactly who you are.Â
Adolescence is an overwhelming and confusing time, which is why many teens can benefit from going to therapy. Peace Behavior Health notes on their site that speaking with a therapist can help teenagers regulate their emotions, reduce their stress, improve their social skills, and regulate their behavior.
Considering the fact that 20% of adolescents experience a mental health problem in any given year, having someone to talk to can be extremely beneficial for teens.Â
Itâs not always easy to open up to their parents, and even talking to friends can be scary if they have a history of being judgmental or spreading secrets with others. Therapy is a safe space for teens to discuss whatâs going on inside their heads.
However, itâs not always guaranteed that everything discussed in therapy will stay a secret. Opening up about the bizarre dream you had or the crush you have on your neighbor will definitely remain confidential. But Stop It Now notes that there are a few situations where a therapist may need to report something for their patientâs safety.
What exactly requires a report depends on the local laws where you live, but itâs often anything a patient says that leads the therapist to believe they are in danger or that they pose a threat to themself or others. It also must be reported if the therapist believes a child is in danger while with their parents.
Teen girl looking regretful during therapy session as therapist listens and takes notes in a home setting.
Itâs important for CPS to get involved any time a child may be in danger
Now, itâs clear why child protective services were contacted in this situation, given what the author shared about her mother. But as far as whether or not CPS can interview a child at their school, Minella Law Group says it depends.
Apparently, it is possible if the parent has given CPS consent, CPS has obtained a court order, exigent circumstances exist, or if there is reasonable suspicion that the child has been harmed by their parents or guardians.
Itâs also important that the interview is conducted in a neutral setting, and the child must have the opportunity to have a teacher or school administrator present in their interview. The interviewers must also assure the child that they donât have to answer any questions they donât want to, and they can leave the interview at any time.
It can be scary for children to be in this situation, so itâs understandable for them to worry about sharing what itâs like in their home. But unfortunately, not all kids are safe around their parents. So itâs important for CPS to remove minors from any situation where theyâre experiencing harm.
The National Childrenâs Alliance reports that U.S. authorities know of over 558,000 children who have been harmed or neglected by their guardians. Thatâs a devastating statistic, but itâs crucial for authorities to know whatâs going on so they can work to stop it. Â
Teen girl in therapy session looking worried while holding hands with therapist in a counseling office setting.
Later, the teen responded to several readers and revealed more details
Comments on a forum discussing teen regrets about being honest with therapist after mom faces CPS investigation.
Teen regrets being honest with therapist as her mom faces trouble with CPS, sharing frustrations about school and appointments.
Screenshot of a forum discussion featuring a teen expressing regrets about honesty with her therapist and family issues with CPS.
Teen girl regrets being honest with therapist after her mom faces trouble with CPS, showing emotional impact of therapy sessions.
Readers assured the author that she had done absolutely nothing wrong, and many urged her to speak up about her momâs behavior
Comment discussing teen regrets being honest with her therapist after her mom faces CPS trouble, emphasizing privacy and support.
Alt text: Teen regrets being honest with therapist after mom faces trouble with CPS, highlighting family and therapy struggles.
Comment expressing regret about being honest with therapist after teen’s mom faces CPS trouble in emotional online discussion.
Screenshot of a comment discussing teen regrets after being honest with her therapist about her momâs CPS involvement.
Teen regretting being honest with her therapist as her mom faces trouble with CPS and child protection concerns discussed.
Teen regrets being honest with therapist after mom faces CPS investigation, reflecting on childhood trauma and therapy struggles.
Screenshot of an online comment reading your mom is very emotionally immature, related to teen regrets and therapist honesty.
Teen regrets being honest with her therapist as her mother faces trouble with CPS, sharing struggles and seeking support.
Comment advising a teen to be honest with their therapist despite risks, related to teen regrets and CPS involvement.
Comment about teen regrets being honest with her therapist, emphasizing mental health impact and trust in therapy sessions.
Screenshot of an online comment discussing teen regrets about being honest with therapist when mom faces CPS issues.
Teen girl looking worried during a therapy session, reflecting on regrets after her mom faces CPS investigation.
Teen in therapy regrets honesty as her mom faces CPS investigation, showing emotional struggle and seeking support.
Teen regrets being honest with therapist as her mom faces trouble with CPS, depicting struggle and need for support.
Comment discussing regrets about being honest with therapist leading to mom’s trouble with CPS in an online forum post.
Teen regrets being honest with therapist after her mom faces trouble with CPS, showing emotional support and advice online.
Comment discussing teen regrets about honesty with therapist and consequences involving CPS and family issues.
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