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How to Ask Clients About Session Recording and Note-Taking Tools

Michael Reider

Sep 19, 2024

For many clinicians, asking clients about using a note-taking app or recording sessions can feel uncomfortable. You might fear losing their trust or worry that bringing up the topic could make them hesitant to open up. It’s a valid concern—after all, the therapeutic relationship is built on trust and mutual respect. However, the benefits of being fully present with your client, while having detailed and insightful notes generated automatically, can far outweigh these initial hesitations.

Interestingly, our experience at Yung Sidekick show that while many therapists are hesitant to introduce note-taking services, virtually clients are actually comfortable with it. In fact, the majority of clients appreciate the added organization and the ability to review the key points of their sessions afterward. This not only enhances their engagement but also reinforces the progress they’ve made, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.

Why Recording or Note-Taking Tools Matter

When you can dedicate your full attention to your client without having to write down every detail during the session, you create a stronger therapeutic presence. You can be more attuned to your client’s emotions, body language, and subtle cues, which are crucial for deepening the therapeutic process.

At the same time, AI-powered note-taking tools like Yung Sidekick allow you to create comprehensive progress notes, session summaries, and client reports—all while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality. This can be especially beneficial for tracking long-term progress and ensuring you’re fully prepared for each session without the stress of remembering every detail manually.

How to Ask Clients About It

We suggest introducing the topic in a way that highlights the client’s benefit rather than focusing on how it helps you as the therapist. Here’s a simple yet effective way to phrase it:

"Would you be comfortable with me using a tool that helps summarise our sessions and generate progress notes? This allows me to focus fully on our conversation without worrying about note-taking. Your privacy is completely protected, and everything is anonymized. You’ll also receive a helpful summary of our discussions, which can be a great way to track your progress. How does that sound?"

This phrasing gently informs the client about the benefits while assuring them that their confidentiality is a top priority.