Confidentiality in Therapy: What It Means in a Small Town
If you live in a small town or rural community, one of the biggest questions that comes up when considering therapy is simple and fair:
“Will people find out?”
It’s a real concern. In places like Barry’s Bay, Pembroke, and the surrounding Ottawa Valley, people run into each other at the grocery store, on trails, at school events, or grabbing coffee. That visibility can make reaching out for therapy feel risky.
Here’s what’s important to know.
Confidentiality Is Not Optional — It’s Ethical and Legal
At In Motion Psychotherapy, confidentiality isn’t a preference or a courtesy. It’s a professional and ethical obligation.
What you talk about in therapy stays in therapy — period.
I am bound by a strict code of ethics and professional standards that require me to protect your privacy. I do not confirm who my clients are. I do not share identifying information “off the record.”
There are only a few legal exceptions to confidentiality:
If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself
If there is a risk of serious harm to others
If there is suspected child abuse or neglect
If there is suspected elder abuse
If records are legally required by a court order or subpoena
Outside of these specific situations, your information remains confidential.
What Happens If We Run Into Each Other?
This is one of the most common worries in small communities — and it’s handled with care.
If we happen to cross paths in public, you lead the interaction.
If you want to ignore me, I will ignore you.
If you want to say hello, I’ll say hello back.
If you want to keep it brief and neutral, that’s respected.
I will never approach you first or acknowledge you in a way that could identify you as a client. This boundary exists to protect you, not to make things awkward.
Why This Matters
Confidentiality isn’t just about privacy — it’s about safety.
Therapy only works when people feel free to speak honestly, without worrying about who might hear, what might be repeated, or how it could follow them outside the room. In small towns especially, that sense of safety is essential.
Choosing therapy doesn’t mean giving up your privacy. It means entering a professional relationship where confidentiality is taken seriously, consistently, and without exception.
A Final Word
If concerns about confidentiality have been holding you back from starting therapy, you’re not overthinking it — you’re being thoughtful. And you deserve clear answers.
If you have questions about confidentiality, boundaries, or how therapy works in a small community, you’re welcome to ask. Sometimes reassurance is the first step.