Friending

“I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Faceook, Linkedin, etc.). I believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy.”*

Following

“I have a blog on my website and post on Twitter. There is no expectation you will want to read or follow either one. However, if you use a recognizable name on Twitter, we may discuss it and any potential effect on our relationship.”*

There are private ways to follow me on Twitter (e.g. an RSS feed or locked Twitter list), which would eliminate you having a public link. You may also want to setup a professional identity to further ensure your privacy. Please use your own judgment in choosing whether to follow me.

I do not follow current or former clients on blogs or Twitter. I believe casual viewing of clients’ online content outside of the therapy session can cause confusion as to whether it’s being done as part of your treatment or to satisfy my curiosity. In addition, viewing your online activities could adversely affect our working relationship. If there are things from your online life that you want to share, please bring them into our sessions where we can view and explore them together.

Messaging

Please do not use mobile phone text messaging (SMS) or message through Social Networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. These sites are not secure and I may not read your messages within my usual timeframe. Also, Wall postings or @replies are discouraged as they could compromise your confidentiality.

Search Engines

Normally, I do not look for clients on search engines such as Google, or check in Facebook. There are rare exceptions. If I suspect you are in danger, using a search engine to find you, or someone close to you may ensure your well-being. If I take any measures of this sort, I will bring it up in our next session.

Business Review Sites

If you write something on a business review site, keep in mind that you may be sharing information that can reveal your identity in a public forum. Create a pseudonym that is not linked to your regular email address or networks for your own privacy and protection.

*A special thank-you to Keely Holmes, PsyD, on whose work this section is based