Do therapists Google their clients?
Sophia Vance
Updated on May 29, 2026
Do therapists Google their patients? Short answer: yes. A new study published on January 15 in the Journal of Clinical Psychology finds that 86% of the therapists interviewed by the study's authors say they sometimes do look up their patients on the Internet.
Is it unethical for a therapist to Google a client?
Most therapists agree that Googling a patient before an appointment is discouraged and could constitute an ethical violation, but safety concerns can lead some to take pre-emptive measures.Is it unethical to look up clients on social media?
There's no ethics code that explicitly forbids accepting such a request, but guidelines from the American Psychological Association and experts in mental health ethics recommend against having clients as Facebook friends. People often use social media accounts to share very revealing information about themselves.Do therapists talk about their clients?
I may talk about you and your case with others.Generally, a professional therapist will severely limit how much they talk about their clients to others. Some will only do it with other professionals, for the sole purpose of getting a second opinion or some advice on how to better help you.
What do therapists notice about their clients?
* I notice how their breathing (rapid, slow, holding their breath) and changes in skin color, cheeks get pinker/face gets paler. * I notice facial expressions like smiling, laughing, crying, etc. As a therapist, there are many useful non-verbal messages that can be helpful to better understand your clients.How do therapists support their clients?
Do therapists have Favourite clients?
Therapists don't feel only love for their clients. Therapists love their clients in various ways, at various times. And yes, I'm sure there must be some therapists out there who never love their clients. But love is around in the therapy relationship, a lot more than we might think or recognise.Do therapists mirror you?
Our clients often unconsciously mimic our body patterns and take on our corresponding emotional states. Many therapists instinctively foster this process. When, for example, you slow your own breathing and your anxious client subsequently slows his, you're engaging his mirror neurons.What you should never tell your therapist?
With that said, we're outlining some common phrases that therapists tend to hear from their clients and why they might hinder your progress.
- “I feel like I'm talking too much.” ...
- “I'm the worst. ...
- “I'm sorry for my emotions.” ...
- “I always just talk about myself.” ...
- “I can't believe I told you that!” ...
- “Therapy won't work for me.”
Do therapists judge you?
Your therapist judges you on multiple occasions.It doesn't matter how many mistakes you've made or how many bad experiences you've had. A therapist should never judge you. It's your right to have a therapist who treats you with warmth and empathy.