Patients tell me secrets that they keep and I keep. I don't think I've ever been told a really harmful secret. There are rules: You have to tell the secret if the person divulges abuse or neglect of a child or elder. You have to tell if they're thinking of hurting or killing themselves. Otherwise, it's in confidence. I like to hear what's really going on with them. I hope it helps them feel better, too. Lots of times there's an opportunity to ask a question: What do you think about that?
Cindy the Cat is boodling on my bathrobe right now. That bathrobe instantly turns her from Fearless Hunter of the Night into Mushy Kitty.