Patient Rights in Therapy Sessions: The Debate Over Notes and Attention

Therapy sessions are a critical time for individuals seeking support and treatment for their mental health concerns. During these sessions, the focus is meant to be on the patient and their needs. However, the practice of therapists taking notes during sessions can sometimes raise questions and concerns among patients. Is it appropriate to request that a therapist not take notes during your therapy session? The answer is not always clear-cut, and it often depends on the individual's personal preferences and needs.

The Argument Against Taking Notes

Some patients may feel that taking notes during a therapy session can detract from the focus and quality of their treatment. One patient, for example, asked their therapist to not type or take notes during sessions, and the therapist complied. This decision was made to ensure that the patient received 100% attention. The patient felt that if the therapist was typing during a session, they would not know whether the therapist was truly listening or not. In situations where a patient's mental health is at stake, it is crucial to have the therapist's undivided attention.

One patient noted that when they first acknowledged their mental health concerns, their therapist stopped everything and gave them their full attention. This set a positive precedent, and the patient felt supported and heard. However, the patient also mentioned that they were accustomed to their current therapist taking notes consistently and did not initially notice this practice. Despite the taking of notes, the therapist still made them feel like they had their full attention and care throughout the session.

The Perspective of Professional Therapists

Professional therapists share differing viewpoints on this issue. Some therapists agree with their patients' concerns and rarely take notes, preferring to focus on providing attentive care. Other therapists, however, believe that the notes they take are crucial for maintaining patient records and recall. These notes help therapists keep track of a patient's conditions, improvements, concerns, and more, which is essential when interacting with many patients in a day or week.

A relevant comparison can be made with visits to a doctor. Doctors also take notes to gather and keep track of essential information, such as medical history, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Similarly, therapists take notes to maintain patient records and track progress. Patients should not have objection to this, and should ideally have similar behavior towards their therapists.

Recording Sessions and Alternative Solutions

It is important to note that in many places, therapy sessions are recorded either audibly or physically. Therapists often input the information after the session for documentation purposes. In cases where a patient feels uncomfortable with taking notes, the therapist can offer alternative ways to support the patient's records, such as agreeing to review notes together or providing a summary of the session post-session.

Ultimately, the decision to stop taking notes during therapy sessions is a personal preference that can be heavily influenced by the patient's comfort level and the therapeutic approach of the therapist. It is always a good idea for patients to communicate their needs openly and discuss any concerns with their therapists.

Key Points:

Therapy sessions should prioritize patient attention and care. Noting preferences on taking notes during sessions is a personal choice. Therapists and doctors both take notes for different reasons. Recording sessions can be an alternative solution.

Patients and therapists should collaborate to ensure the best possible treatment environment. Open communication and mutual understanding can lead to more effective and supportive therapy sessions.