Couples Therapy Consent & No Secrets Agreement

Welcome to couples therapy. This document outlines the nature of couples therapy, our agreement regarding confidentiality, and our 'No Secrets' policy. Please read it carefully before signing.

1. Nature of Couples Therapy

Unlike individual therapy, the 'client' in couples therapy is the relationship itself. The therapist's primary goal is to help both partners understand their interactions, improve communication, and resolve conflict. Because the couple is the client, the therapist must remain objective and will not take sides or serve as an advocate for either partner against the other.

2. Confidentiality and the 'No Secrets' Policy

To provide effective treatment, this practice utilizes a 'No Secrets' policy. This means that if you communicate privately with the therapist outside of joint sessions (via individual phone calls, email, text messages, or individual sessions), the therapist reserves the right to share that information during joint sessions if they believe it is relevant to the couples therapy.

This policy ensures transparency, prevents the therapist from being put in an ethical bind (e.g., holding a secret that actively undermines the couples therapy, such as an ongoing affair or plans to divorce), and maintains trust between the therapist and both partners. The therapist will use their clinical judgment regarding when and how to share such information, but will not keep secrets from either partner.

3. Joint Records and Legal Proceedings

Clinical records from couples therapy sessions contain information about both partners. Therefore, records will not be released to third parties unless both partners provide written authorization. Additionally, by signing this agreement, you both agree not to subpoena the therapist or request records for custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or other legal battles.

4. Acknowledgment and Agreements

Please confirm your understanding of the couples therapy policies: (Select all) * Required

I understand the couple unit is the client, not either individual.I agree to the 'No Secrets' policy for private communications.I understand that records require both partners' signatures to release.I agree not to subpoena or involve the therapist in legal disputes.

Partner 1 Signature * Required

Signature

I agree to the terms of couples therapy, the 'No Secrets' policy, and joint record release as outlined above.

Partner 2 Signature * Required

Signature

I agree to the terms of couples therapy, the 'No Secrets' policy, and joint record release as outlined above.

Couples Therapy Consent & No Secrets Agreement

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