Dad Unleashes Fury On Son’s Therapist For Throwing Ethics Out The Window And Outing Him As Gay
“That information was NOT yours to share!”
Cordon, a 15-year-old wrestler, was no stranger to challenges. As if grappling with opponents on the mat wasn't enough, life threw him tougher battles than he’d ever faced in the ring.
On top of his bipolar disorder and bulimia diagnosis, his parents were going through a messy divorce. It was all too much for the young lad, leading him to temporarily quit the sport he loves.
Just when it seemed Cordon was gaining ground—medications adjusting, therapy sessions progressing, and a triumphant return to wrestling—life threw another curveball.
His mom dropped a bombshell revelation: she was engaged to the man she cheated on his father with. This news stirred the pot once more, and Cordon dived back into his old destructive habits, such as making himself sick and withdrawing socially.
Our concerned narrator (Original Poster) turned to Cordon’s therapist for guidance, but what he got was a shocking revelation. The therapist hinted at a sour romance gone wrong with a same-sex partner and suggested Cordon might also be grappling with his sexual identity.
Hold the phone—wasn’t this supposed to be private? There, in the therapist's office, an ethical line had just been body-slammed. OP wasn't mad about the possibility of his son being gay; no, it was the unsolicited reveal that had him seeing red.
The breach of trust led to a fiery showdown that ended with threats of formal complaints against the therapist for outing Cordon without consent. Back at home, the debate continued.
Cordon’s mom suggested that knowing more could be beneficial and accused OP of overreacting. Did she have a point, or was OP right to stand guard over his son’s right to share his own story in his own time?
The story in detail
Reddit.comA bit of background
Reddit.comThe Ethics of Confidentiality in Therapy
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapeutic practice, and breaches can have serious implications. Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist, emphasizes that trust is fundamental in the therapeutic relationship. When confidentiality is violated, it can lead to feelings of betrayal and harm, as seen in this scenario where a therapist disclosed a client's sexual orientation without consent.
This behavior not only undermines the therapeutic alliance but can also exacerbate feelings of shame and isolation for the client.
Cordon’s therapist revealed to OP that his son is gay and might be scared of coming out
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OP was furious and threatened to report the therapist for revealing the private discussions that he and Cordon had
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Moreover, the ethical principle of informed consent underscores the importance of respecting clients’ rights to control their own narratives. Research indicates that clients who feel their privacy is respected are more likely to engage in therapy and disclose personal information. Violating this trust can lead to a breakdown in communication and hinder the therapeutic process.
Understanding the ethical guidelines surrounding confidentiality is crucial for therapists to maintain trust and facilitate healing.
We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:
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“What that therapist did was irresponsible. If they did this to someone who had phobic parents, they could've put the kid in a lot of danger.”
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Navigating Breaches of Confidentiality
To address issues of confidentiality, therapists must engage in ongoing training and supervision regarding ethical practices. Dr. Jennifer Freyd, an expert in trauma psychology, highlights the importance of ethical decision-making processes in therapy. Regular training can equip therapists with the necessary tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and uphold clients' rights.
Additionally, fostering a culture of transparency within therapeutic settings can help mitigate breaches of confidentiality and promote accountability.
“My husband’s therapist did something similar when he was a child, and it completely ruined his trust in the therapy process.”
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“NTA. Cursing at them was justified a**holery, which I think makes it NTA.”
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Furthermore, engaging clients in discussions about the limits of confidentiality can empower them and build trust. Research indicates that clear communication about confidentiality helps clients feel safer and more secure in the therapeutic environment. By ensuring clients understand their rights, therapists can promote a more ethical practice.
Ultimately, maintaining confidentiality is essential for fostering a safe therapeutic space where clients can explore their feelings and challenges without fear of exposure.
“NTA. Depending on what the laws in your location are regarding minor care, this very well could have been illegal.”
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“NTA. Your son's therapist should not have disclosed something that was told to him in a therapy session.”
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Some secrets aren’t ours to share. They’re the stories that belong solely to their tellers—especially when that teller is a teen searching for his place in the world.
Redditors slammed the therapist's irresponsibility, noting the potential danger if the parents had been less accepting. Finding a new therapist was crucial for rebuilding Cordon's sense of security.
What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.
“I respect that you're standing up for your son's right to medical privacy in a situation where it would mean you weren't informed about this.”
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“NTA. Report him. And talk to your son about whether he would maybe like to try a new therapist.”
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Psychological Analysis
This situation underscores the critical importance of confidentiality in therapy. Breaches can lead to significant harm and feelings of betrayal for clients, which can hinder their healing process. It's vital for therapists to uphold ethical standards and engage in transparent communication with clients.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, confidentiality is a fundamental principle in therapy that must be upheld to build trust and promote healing. Understanding the ethical implications of breaches is essential for therapists. By fostering transparency and engaging clients in discussions about confidentiality, therapists can create safer therapeutic environments.
