Do counsellors and therapists take notes? And can I request them year later?

[0palFruits]

Does anyone know?

Yes they do and yes you can.

Ok. Thank you. Would it be unusual to request the notes?

No, it's not unusual at all. Depending on the clinic you'll probably need to fill out a form to request to see your notes...might take a wee while, but they should let you see them.

You won't be the first person to request to see your own notes.

They don't have to make notes - it's not a requirement

They do have to share the notes if they have made them - they don't have to share their process notes though, just what they've recorded as session content

You can always ask for them. They tend to make limited notes as the more they make the more they have to share and prefer it to be confidential.
But they’re definitely yours!

So, they could just say that they didn't make any notes? If they didn't want me to see them?

Most people don't, but some do for a variety of reasons. However you don't have to give a reason. Contact them, tell them you want your notes and ask if you need to submit the request in writing.

Contact the therapist or the clinic?

Either I suppose

So for example my process notes might say:

"Wondering about ND, underlying trauma, abandonment"

My notes of the session might say:

"Themes around family, today mum/sister"

So I'm required to share the second but the first is just for me (and may be wrong as you've not said it yet)

They won't tell you that! That's very unethical

If they've made notes they can share, they will and should