In the emotionally charged landscape of family separation and court-ordered interventions, children often find themselves at the centre of adult conflict. One emerging and deeply troubling practice we are seeing more frequently is parents covertly sending children into therapeutic sessions with hidden recording devices. Whether out of fear, mistrust, or a desire to “gather evidence,” this act crosses serious ethical and psychological boundaries and it can do far more harm than good.
The Fragile Sanctity of the Therapeutic Space
Therapy is built on a foundation of safety, confidentiality, and trust. When a child enters a therapeutic room, especially one mandated by the court, they are entitled to a space where their voice can emerge freely, without fear of judgment, reprisal, or manipulation. Recording a session particularly without the therapist’s or the child’s informed consent fundamentally violates this foundation.
Children are not evidence-gathering devices. They are human beings with developing minds, emotions, and identities. Introducing surveillance into the therapeutic process transforms a healing space into an interrogation room. This not only compromises the therapeutic alliance but also sends the child a dangerous message: “You are here to report, not to reflect.”
Why Do Some Parents Do This?
While motivations vary, common justifications include:
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Mistrust of the therapist (often chosen or appointed by the other parent or the court)
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Fear of bias or misrepresentation in the therapeutic notes or court reports
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Desire to ‘prove’ alienation, abuse, or undue influence by the other parent
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Attempt to gain leverage in ongoing litigation
However, these justifications often stem from adult agendas rather than child-centred thinking. Regardless of motive, the impact on the child can be serious and lasting.
The Psychological Impact on the Child
When a child is covertly or explicitly encouraged to record a therapy session, several risks arise:
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Betrayal of trust: If the therapist becomes aware of the recording, it may rupture the therapeutic relationship irreparably.
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Split loyalty: The child may feel torn between pleasing the parent who sent them and engaging authentically with the therapist.
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Confusion about boundaries: Children may struggle to understand what is safe to say, or may begin to perform or edit their disclosures.
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Increased anxiety and hypervigilance, particularly in children already exposed to high-conflict dynamics.
This behaviour is especially harmful in cases involving allegations of parental alienation, coercive control, or emotional manipulation, where the child is already under intense relational pressure.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Recording therapy sessions without consent is problematic under Irish law. Under the Data Protection Acts and GDPR, all parties to a recording must generally give their consent especially when sensitive personal data is being processed, as is the case in psychotherapy. Covertly recording a session may also breach Section 105 of the Mental Health Act 2001 in some circumstances, and certainly violates the codes of ethics of accredited psychotherapy bodies such as IACP, FTAI, or PSI.
For court-appointed professionals, this behaviour may necessitate a safeguarding response and could result in a report back to the court on interference with the therapeutic process.
What Should Happen Instead
If a parent has concerns about the integrity of the therapy process, the proper route is transparency:
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Raise concerns with the therapist or supervisor
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Use the court process to request a change of therapist or oversight
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Encourage open communication, not covert surveillance
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Prioritise the child’s need for safety and autonomy
Therapists should also be clear in their intake and contracting process, informing both parents and children that recording sessions is not permitted and constitutes a breach of trust and data protection law.
Final Thoughts: Whose Needs Are Being Served?
At Changes.ie, we believe that all therapeutic interventions should be child-centred, ethically sound, and developmentally appropriate. When therapy is weaponised, or turned into a courtroom by proxy, the child is the one who suffers. Let us be vigilant about protecting the sanctity of therapeutic work and ensuring that it remains a place for healing not for gathering ammunition.