Is It Normal For A Counsellor To Write Copious Amounts Of Notes During Sessions?
Question: Is it normal for a counsellor to write copious amounts of notes during sessions?
Answer (1) I tend to write notes during the first session with clients, however I keep them as brief as possible, as I see my job as listening in the first instance, not writing an essay. A lot of important information can come out in the first session, and this can be helpful in later sessions, so I would suggest that it's normal for a counsellor to write some notes. However, if you feel that the counsellor is paying more attention to their notepad than to you, then you will naturally feel like you're not being paid enough attention.
Answer provided by Graham Cox, Psychologist
Answer (2) Everyone is different! Notes can range from being a useful memory aid for some counsellors, to being invaluable in helping to form a clinical opinion for others. But in general, if the taking of notes concerns you, raise it with your counsellor. If the response is not adequate, weigh up whether the benefits of counselling are better than the distraction/annoyance - and if not, find another counsellor that you feel more comfortable with.
Answer provided by Nicholas Rooke, Psychologist
Answer (3) This is a somewhat contentious area, as I have heard many strong and differing opinions about note-taking during a session. I myself do not take notes then and there, largely because I find it too distracting. I cannot write fast enough and often, I could not make much sense out of my scrawled notes later on in any case. Luckily for me, I have a very good memory and usually jot down a few notes of interest after the session to orientate me when typing up notes in the evenings. I have heard from many a client that they find the process also very distracting and feel that they do not have the therapist's full attention, which of course, they do not. The practice originally came from traditional psychoanalysis, wherein the client lay on a couch with the analyst behind them, out of view. Therefore this note taking was probably not overly noticed by the analysand. Some traditions still insist on "process notes" being taken during a ssession, particularly when the therapist is in training or for the purposes of later clinical supervision. If you find the note taking distracting or off putting, discuss it with your therapist and let them know how you feel about it. Some people will be flexible and accommodating about this, if it's a concern.
Answer provided by David White, Psychotherapist
Answer (4) Normal is an interesting word for me because I have never known what it is... or more to the point... it seems what is normal to me is not necessarily normal to you. I sometimes take copious notes and sometimes take no notes. Often I find it is my nervousness or unsuredness (if that is a word) that dictates how I am in the room with a client and I do find myself endlessly note taking if I am confused. Strangely, putting the pen and pad down when I am confused seems to make things clearer for me. Something to do with "being with the client, in the moment" maybe. Although, if I am presented with a complicated scenario, lots of names, dates, times, places... I will endeavour to get that information down in the first few sessions. After that it will be a couple of words or points I want to raise without interrupting my client's flow.
Answer provided by Philip Johnson, Counsellor
Answer (5) Your question re counsellors taking copious notes got me thinking of a workshop recently given by a psychologist/lawyer that resulted in my keeping less notes. Despite our ethics of confidentiality, any of our notes can be subpoenaed by a lawyer and we can be cross examined. In WA the police can be given a search warrant to take them from our offices. I now only keep a brief history, record of client's progress and any suggestions I make re client homework, referral etc with no record of my clinical judgement, hunches etc.
Answer provided by Margaret Wilkes, Psychologist
Answer (6) Why not tell your counsellor how it makes you feel or what you make of their activity? It sounds as if your counsellor's note-taking is a distraction from the work between you. You could expect a counsellor to listen to your view of the practice and either modify their methods or at least explain their system. You may find that discussing this will do much to allay your concerns. You have a perfect right to question the process of your therapy.
Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor
Answer (7) Counsellors differ in their desire and belief in the usefulness of taking notes during a client session. Some believe that it will act as a useful source of information when reflecting on how they might best assist the client. Other therapists do not take notes, instead more directly using their relationship with the client to assist them. I do not take notes during a session, instead prefering to focus on 'being' with my client and responding in the most appropriate way to assist them. I hope you are comfortable enough with your counsellor to discuss this with them and the impact it is having on your relationship.
Answer provided by Clare Mann, Psychologist
Answer (8) Some people prefer to take copious notes during therapy but I believe that this is not necessary unless you are requested to write a report on the session. I personally take very brief notes and should I have a very distressed client I do not sacrifice my complete attention for writing notes during the session at all. I consider notes are for my own use to prompt my own memory about the session. Psychologists develop very good memory with practice.
Answer provided by Eva Fera, Clinical Health Psychologist
Answer (9) May I suggest your psychologist records each session in either audio and/or video and give you a copy. H/she could then relax, make eye contact without distractions and perhaps form a deeper connection with you in the session.
Answer provided by Peter Fox, Clinical Psychologist
