How do I deal with an information overload like this?

[Anonymous]

I am going anonymous for obvious reasons. I have discovered that the close guy friend I’m interested in is my therapist’s son. He told me that he returns my interest but can’t date me because of it and feels comfortable being friends with me. I said I’ll keep it a secret from everyone I know and I have.

I also am friends with one of my doctors and her daughter. Another conflict of interest. I’m going out socially with all of them, except my therapist and we’re all good friends and I feel like my head is going to explode, I’ve just got so many secrets like that that I must keep from everyone. I feel slightly freaked out by it.

it’s a lot to take in. Last year I learnt that one of my friends was a non offending pedophile and another one was a sociopath. It’s sort of hard to absorb, rather like that. How does one normally deal with stuff that’s like a shock? I’m keeping lots of heavy secrets.

[HollyK21]

Can’t be too overloaded since you actively keep choosing to maintain these connections. There’s tons of doctors and therapists out there, you could easily go to someone else, then you can have those friendships without feeling like you’ve got to keep it a secret.

[Cutegirl06]

I think what you're describing is exactly why doctors and therapists say no outside contact with other clients. All the secrets would make me feel uncomfortable.

[slatyb]

You could change therapists. The doctor-patient relationship is different, I don't see the conflict of interest.