Myisha Jackson, LPC-S
Therapists, What Is Your Social Media Saying About You?
Before a client ever sits across from you, they may have already visited your social media page.
They may have scrolled through your pictures, watched your videos, or read your captions. Beyond your credentials, they may want a glimpse of your personality and whether they could feel comfortable opening up to you.
For some clients, your online presence is their first introduction to you.
I live and practice in Monroe, Louisiana. In a smaller community, your personal and professional worlds can overlap. A client may know someone you know, share mutual friends, or come across your posts without ever searching for your name.
That is something I keep in mind when I share online.
Have a Personality. Be Intentional.
Being a therapist does not mean every post has to be educational or every picture has to be a professional headshot. We have lives, interests, opinions, and experiences outside of our work.
But before posting, ask yourself: Am I comfortable with a client knowing this about me?
That applies to your captions, reposts, jokes, and comments. We cannot explain the context to everyone who encounters our content, so it helps to consider what it communicates.
Some Things Need to Stay in the Therapy Room
“My client said today in session…” should not be the opening line of your next post.
A client deserves to speak openly without wondering whether their experience will become your next piece of content. Removing a name does not necessarily keep someone from recognizing their own story.
Not everything is content. Some things deserve to remain sacred.
Clients can choose to share their experiences. As therapists, we have a different responsibility to protect the privacy and trust within that relationship. We can educate online without turning sessions into stories for an audience.
That thoughtfulness also extends to tags and mentions. Consider including a clear social media policy in your informed consent that explains how you handle online interactions. A client tagging you does not require a public response. Avoid liking or commenting in ways that could confirm the therapeutic relationship, remove the tag when possible, and address boundaries privately with the client.
Your Online Presence Deserves Thought
You can be authentic while keeping parts of your life private and protecting the experiences clients entrust to you.
Your social media may introduce you before you introduce yourself. Be intentional about what that introduction says.