Historic counselling 🤮

[Lwren]

Our initial SW visit was tough, she wants to access my previous counselling, tbh I said yes but the more I've thought about it I feel sick. Those were my thoughts and feelings over 5 years ago now, i don't want them read.
I get the feeling it'll stop us progressing, but just wondering has anyone else had this?

[Ted27]

Hi @Lwren
I'm afraid I would say no. They don't get to see your medical notes, this is no different.
I assume you did talk sometimes about other people - it's an invasion of their privacy and probably data protection issues as well

[Lwren]

Thank you Ted, I think I'll say no.
I don't mind being open but how I'd talk to my counsellor is very different as to how I'd talk to my SW.
Thanks for replying x

[rosiethefemaleone]

I think sometimes they ask for a statement that you didn't disclose anything that would make you a safeguarding risk. But no, they don't get access to your counselling notes! Say no to that.

[Lwren]

Thank you Rosie! 😊

I really wouldn't want to have the notes read, it's too much.
I'll disclose everything, but on my own terms, not through feeling pushed into it.
Thank you friends xx

[donquixotedelamancha]

Our initial SW visit was tough, she wants to access my previous counselling
As PPs have said, that seems very strange, especially for an initial visit.
Is there something in particular (without disclosing details) that you think is making them ask that?

Is it possible that you misunderstood and she just means they might want to contact them, rather than go into any details.

[Lwren]

I did have a tough upbringing, but I've been super honest.
I appreciate they'll want some details but not everything surely?
I'm sure hearing there's no issues with safeguarding or my birth children or adult relationships will be enough?
It is gruelling, I expected it to be tough and I'll definitely persevere if it means we can get to stage one, however i feel some things I'd definitely have shared in a different way as one to believing it was a 1:1 chat, not something that could be read by what be many.

Best of luck to you with yours! X

[ScottishBeth]

I have recently been approved.

Many years ago I had long term psychotherapy, and I agree with others, I would have been very uncomfortable with them asking to see notes.

During stage 2 I had 6 weeks of counselling. My SW did ask for permission to contact my counsellor, which I gave. However it was something much more general than seeing notes. I can't remember exactly, but I think they asked for confirmation we had discussed the adoption, and a couple of specific personal situations that had arisen. I have a feeling the counsellor also said something about me asking questions about meditation, or something. And I imagine they asked if the counsellor had any concerns about my ability to parent.

It's such a dif

[ScottishBeth]

Oops posted too soon!

It's so difficult to say no to the SW, but thinking about them asking to see my old therapy notes is just horrible!

Can you ask them to clarify what it is they want? It seems unreasonable.

[WittyUsername123]

Hi @Lwren we have recently been approved and both had counselling in the past.
Our LA wanted to know the names and details of our counsellors. I don’t even know if they contacted them and we heard no more about it- did they actually ask for the notes or just the contact details?
I can’t imagine they can access the notes without your express written consent!

[Confusernme]

I had to provide a reference from my previous counsellor. There were a few standard questions they had to answer along the lines of whether they had any concerns about my adopting a child.

I don't think any worthwhile counsellor would supply their notes! Could you speak to the counsellor about it and maybe then be able to go back to the social worker and explain they can't provide them, (as I'm assuming that's what the counsellor would say...)

[SellingBee]

I've never known counselling notes to be accessed. Only a written reference from the counsellor to determine the focus of the sessions, the length of time you engaged, the outcome and whether counsellor thinks you would pose any risk to a child. Specifics would not be usual at all. Are you sure this isn't what the social worker means?

[Lwren]

I was truly shocked she wanted the notes! I expected contacting them but the notes threw me.
I will give consent regarding safeguarding issues towards my children etc, but nothing about seeing what's in there.
Thank you all for input!

If this stops me going forward to stage one I think I'll be going to another agency and explaining this, because it really does seem extreme!

I really appreciate your replies, because I did feel I was being a bit precious, it does seem very extra to have my notes read though.

Thanks again xx

[Noimaginationforaun]

When we went through the process (2020), my SW was happy with a reference letter from my psychologist which gave details of the dates I attended, what kind of therapy I had and their overview. So it included details that were good for the SW like I’d engaged well, progressed well, has good reflective skills etc etc but gave no actual nitty gritty details. Could you get something like that?

it ended up being a big plus for us going through!

[Muminabun]

Our counsellor provided a brief reference for us having revisited our notes from years previously. I would say not to a look at your notes as that inappropriate and unnecessary.

[Lwren]

Thanks friends!

I still don't know if we've been accepted onto stage 1, no idea either way yet.

I've actually read my notes and some of it has been documented factually incorrect, but the problem with having it blacked out is I look as though I'm hiding things.
If I find out the outcome I'll discuss further, as tbh I'm also in the camp of finding it inappropriate.
It's not the things I attended counselling for that have been documented and instead flippant comments that honestly were read far too much into.

Thanks for everyone's advice xx

[ScottishBeth]

Let us know how you get on. I would encourage you to contact a different agency if you don't get accepted, as I still think this is absurd. I hope this doesn't stop you.

[Lwren]

Oh ladies thank you so much, I've still not heard. If I don't hear back by this week I'll probably have to look for another agency, it'll be 5 weeks by then and to not know if I'm even progressing really is shit.