Therapy-How much power does a therapist have?

Question

I have been wanting to start therapy,  but what is stopping me is that I feel that a complete stranger will know all of my secrets. 
Doesn't that give them too much power? 
And if I feel depressed or suicidal she/he could have me committed or report it?
Edit: I had post this in adult relationships but felt it is more appropriate for this group. I saw the response I got from one commenter when I had it in the other group though and I appreciate it so much! Thank you!

Answer

Hi, therapist here. Your perspective is a little off. Therapists are never looking for power over someone. I’m so sorry if anyone made you feel that way. 
We don’t like reporting, and only do it when we truly have to. Otherwise, we wouldn’t sleep at night. 
If you had suicidal thoughts or ideation, that would simply call for a safety plan in most cases. 
Now, if you had a plan and access to ways to carry it out, that would need to be a further discussion. 
Most of the reporting therapists do is for children who are potentially in harm’s way due to a client. 
Most therapists will speak with you prior to making a report (as long as they don’t feel their safety is at risk), and I usually ask my clients if they would like to report themselves, and will sit with them while they do it. 
As a therapist, I am a lot of things. But, “powerful” is not at the top of that list. At least not in the way you describe it.

Answer

The fact that you’re worried about someone having power just from knowing about you shows that you can benefit from therapy (not a judgement, I was the same way). It’s a non issue. There’s no tangible power that they gain from knowing about your past and your thoughts. They just use that knowledge to help you. Unless they think that you’re going to go home and immediately kill yourself (or harm others) then they’re not going to report it. But you can ask them exactly when they report stuff and they will tell you. They are mandatory reporters for children though

Answer

They are mental health professional. Their job is to help you.

Answer

They’re not ruling your life or the world. They don’t have any power. They’re listening in an unbiased manner, giving you ways to cope and showing you different aspects of what you’re feeling, going through, how to conquer. They’re not maniacal masterminds. Therapy is a good tool.

Answer

no. they are a doctor. if you tell your doctor your medical history you can tell your therapist anything. patient confidentiality. your therapist shouldn’t immediately admit you into a psych ward for being suicidal unless they feel you are an immediate threat to yourself or others. and regardless, even if what you’re saying is right, therapists can really really help. i would’ve been dead a long time ago if it wasn’t for carol.

Therapy-How much power does a therapist have?

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