Question about kids meeting w/therapist

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2008
Question about kids meeting w/therapist
3
Fri, 10-10-2008 - 1:33pm

I have been separated for approximately 2 months and my 2 girls are primarily with me (father gets them every other weekend) this was determined from a protective order. My H wants our girls to meet with a therapist which I think is a great idea BUT my concern is that he is doing this to get information from them about me that he could possibly use against me. My question is, I have to assume their discussions with the therapist will be discussed with him. If that is the case does anyone think those

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-1999
Fri, 10-10-2008 - 2:31pm
Normally whatever anyone says to a therapist is confidential, even for kids, unless a court ordered a family study to be done. My STBX had a problem w/ abusing his DD and the Dept. of Social Services plan was for there to be family counseling between the 2 of them and then each one of them also went to an indiv. counselor. We were never told anything that she discussed w/ her invid counselor (she was 15 or 16 at the time). I wonder why your DH feels that the girls need counseling--do they seem upset about the div? Since the court ordered custody to you & there is a protective order, I doubt that you should be afraid that they will say anything that could be used against you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2008
Fri, 10-10-2008 - 2:39pm

Thank you, that makes sense and sorta what I thought. When he gets them he prys them for information. Asks them what they had for dinner, did I leave them alone, etc. My youngest (8yr) is alot more emotional than my 13yr old and he tends to break her down. They seem perfectly content when I have them. I have had discussions with them asking them if they had any questions, the whole its not your fault, things will get better,etc. I just let them be girls when they are with me he interrogates them I think.


Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 10-15-2008 - 9:24am

Licensed professionals have a job... not to be biased and figure out what's best for the children.


Much of what is said will be confidential, and yes, if the therapist feels there is need for an investigation by the department of human services or child protective services, that may follow.... BUT, having cereal for dinner every now and then, or even if you left them alone for a short period of time isn't neglect.


Karen ~ wildlucky4me ~