“In the Courtroom or in the Counseling Room: Lessons for Therapists from Jury Duty”

Dear Fellow Therapists,

Last month, I received a jury summons. Like many of us, my first reaction was a mix of obligation, mild annoyance, and a bit of anxiety about how it would fit into my schedule. I had a full plate with clients, supervision, administrative responsibilities, and school commitments.

I was not ultimately selected, but the experience offered meaningful reminders that are surprisingly relevant to our work as therapists. Whether it is jury duty, a subpoena for records, or any form of court involvement, these situations bring up important considerations around responsibility, boundaries, confidentiality, and self-care.

1. Legal responsibilities are real and non-negotiable. As therapists, we may receive requests for records or be subpoenaed to testify. Like jury duty, these are both civic and professional responsibilities that must be taken seriously. Understanding the process ahead of time, including what is required, your rights, and your obligations, can reduce anxiety and help prevent missteps.

2. Confidentiality matters in every setting. During jury duty, I was reminded of the strict expectations around confidentiality. There were no discussing cases outside the courtroom, no online searches, and no sharing identifying information. This closely mirrors our ethical responsibilities as therapists. Protecting client information is essential, whether in everyday clinical work or when responding to legal requests. Even small disclosures can have significant consequences, so it is important to review requests carefully and seek legal consultation when needed.

3. Boundaries are key. Balancing personal time with professional obligations, such as jury duty or court involvement, requires intentional boundaries. This may involve setting aside dedicated time to review documents, consulting with supervisors or legal professionals, or arranging coverage for client sessions. Boundaries help protect both your clients and your well-being.

4. Emotional awareness matters. Even being summoned for jury duty brought up a range of emotions for me, including stress, irritation, and eventual relief when I was not selected. Court involvement can similarly bring anxiety, moral tension, or self-doubt. Recognizing your emotional responses and processing them through supervision, consultation, or personal therapy supports sound clinical judgment and ethical decision-making.

5. Preparation reduces stress. I took time to familiarize myself with the logistics of jury duty, including parking, scheduling, and paperwork. In the same way, preparation is essential when responding to a subpoena. Reviewing requests carefully, understanding your legal and ethical responsibilities, and documenting your actions can reduce stress and help prevent errors.

6. Perspective matters. Jury duty reminded me that being called to serve, even when it feels inconvenient, is part of participating in a larger system. Similarly, adhering to ethical and legal responsibilities in our work helps ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of the clients we serve.

A therapist’s takeaway

The courtroom may feel far removed from our offices, but the lessons overlap in meaningful ways. Responsibility, ethics, boundaries, confidentiality, and self-awareness remain central in both spaces. What may initially feel inconvenient or anxiety-provoking can become an opportunity to practice professionalism, presence, and integrity.

Whether it is a jury summons, a subpoena, or a challenging clinical situation, preparation, consultation, and reflection are essential. It is also important to acknowledge your emotional responses along the way. Feeling stress, relief, or hesitation is human. What matters is how we respond while upholding our professional responsibilities.

Wishing you all wellness and growth,

Jinia