Addressed to hobbyists and providers alike.

Two providers I see tell me about their life issues and drama. I don't even ask about what's going on in their lives. They just tell me.

If I'm paying money to lay on a couch and talk about my problems it might as well be with a hot naked chick. Guaranteed I feel more relaxed and happy after head bobbing from my atf than by some doctor.  

My personal life is very personal and I keep all aspects of it private. I would not tell a therapist out of fear that they may try to "fix" me. I enjoy what I do and am not inviting anyone into my life to tell me it's bad, wrong and question me.

Providers have indeed been the first people to hear of many big events and fucked up situations in my life - the first I've ever been able to open to. Still, a friendship is vastly different from a clinical setting. Regardless of the fact that the cost of an hour with a provider is a multiple of that with a therapist, there are some things and issues where you just know "no one wants to hear this shit" except for someone whose actual job is to do that and encourage you to know yourself better.

Interesting, thanks.  

Like you've stated, a good therapist is one that listens but doesn't judge.  A good one will encourage you to find the "correct" answer on your own.  They may nudge you in that direction but if one is insistent, he/she is not a good therapist, in my opinion.  

Agreed.  I would be concerned that some "well meaning" therapist might decide I was endangering my life or my wife's and break confidentiality  (even though I always play safe and my wife's total contribution last year was 2 mediocre handjobs - which works out to $40,000 each).

Posted By: hungdogg

Like you've stated, a good therapist is one that listens but doesn't judge.  A good one will encourage you to find the "correct" answer on your own.  They may nudge you in that direction but if one is insistent, he/she is not a good therapist, in my opinion.    
   
 I'm all for the mentality of "why go to a therapist if you can't tell them EVERYTHING". But personally, I wouldn't reveal any hobbying activity to anyone.  Unfortunately, it's not generally accepted and you never know how your therapist will react.  I actually had one suggest seeing an escort but, I'd assume he was in the minority  
   
 Best of luck.

I'd tell a shrink I trusted if (s)he was in private practice but I would never say anything about it in a counseling center or agency setting. Has anyone ever heard of HIPAA - the no privacy law? Once something is written in a file lots of people have access to it. The staff lounge is worse. They'll assure you of your privacy till they're blue in the face but it's a lie.

unless you are a threat to yourself or others, your conversation is completely confidential. if you don't believe me just ask your therapist yourself.  

Good old HIPPA a medical professional can be sued if they violate the terms.  When I work in a clinical setting we are not allowed to leave any charts anywhere, not even for other therapist unless they are working with the client.  Basically we are not allowed to talk about our clients or condition to anyone besides them or their doctor.  Not even a spouse.

and I always tell my doctors I am a very active swinger...  So no I don't tell professionals about this because I worry about judgements made about us as well as possible breeches in client patient privilege.  I have heard my doctors mention other patients, so I want to make sure anything related to the industry is not disclosed.  That is for the protection of myself and my guests

Who needs a shrink?

is the shrinkage after a date.

OMG that was an interesting, fucked UP experience lmfao!  

She never expressed that she did, but after I mentioned it, her mannerisms changed. I saw disgust in her eyes. I no longer have a shrink.

That kind of stuff you can't take personally, if even from an educated "expert". Sure, they know some things, but not everything.  

You can be open and honest with a hobby friend.  Exchanging stories, experiences and feelings with a hobby friend can help to reach some understanding or resolution of whatever is on your mind.    

Thanks everyone for the replies.