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Asking client consent to record

Resources for sensitively approaching the conversation of recording sessions with your clients.

Paul Salvatore avatar
Written by Paul Salvatore
Updated over 2 months ago

Informed consent is required

Written informed consent is legally and ethically required before recording any therapy session. This requirement protects client privacy, maintains ethical standards, and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations including HIPAA.

Before using Tenor's recording features, you must obtain and document your client's informed consent. This consent should be stored in the client's record in your EHR and can be revoked by the client at any time.

The hesitation is normal

As practicing therapists ourselves, we understand that asking clients for consent to record sessions can feel uncomfortable at first. Many clinicians worry about how recording might affect the therapeutic relationship or client openness.

Research shows that while both clinicians and clients may initially feel uneasy about recording, this discomfort typically fades quickly. Most participants don't report significant changes in their behavior or the therapeutic process once they adjust to recording (Shepherd et al., 2009). In fact, Elwyn et al. (2015) found that over 60% of clients surveyed actively expressed a desire for their sessions to be recorded.

To facilitate discussions around consent, we've developed resources and templates that outline the benefits of recording in clear, client-friendly language.

The benefits of recording

When discussing recording with clients, it helps to explain the specific benefits they'll receive. Recording sessions enables:

For clients

  • Increased therapist presence – You can be fully focused on your client rather than dividing attention with note-taking

  • Capturing key moments – You can identify exact quotes and important realizations to revisit in future sessions

  • Detailed session recaps – You can send clients comprehensive summaries that foster reflection after each session using our “summary for clients” feature

  • More active participation – Recording reinforces key insights and empowers clients in their healing journey

For clinicians

  • Improved recall of important details and nuances

  • Stronger therapeutic rapport through more present-focused interactions

  • Valuable learning tool for supervision and professional development

  • Enhanced documentation for treatment planning and progress tracking

Carl Rogers, the founder of person-centered therapy, noted that "I have found it extremely valuable to listen to recordings of my interviews... One learns a great deal about one's own procedures, errors, and omissions" (Rogers, 1951, p. 243). Similarly, Irvin Yalom advocated for recording in his practice, writing that "recording liberates the therapist to be fully present" and allows clinicians to "discover aspects of therapeutic interaction that would otherwise remain forever outside awareness" (Yalom, 2002, p. 92).

Starting the conversation

As a clinician, you're uniquely positioned to engage clients in open discussion about recording. You can identify benefits, address concerns, and support their right to make whatever decision feels best for them.

Suggested conversation template

"I wanted to ask if you'd be open to me using an AI tool to record and summarize our sessions. This would help me stay fully present with you since I wouldn't need to take notes during our conversations. I'd also be able to revisit sessions later to generate more ideas for our work together, improve treatment, and reflect on our progress.

Your privacy remains my highest priority—all information is protected under HIPAA regulations and you can opt out of recording any session at any time. Would you be open to trying this approach? I'm happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have."

Addressing common client concerns

When discussing recording with clients, you might encounter these common concerns:

  • Privacy worries – Reassure clients that Tenor stores data in a HIPAA-compliant way and that recordings are deleted immediately after transcription

  • Fear of judgment – Explain that recordings are for therapeutic benefit, not evaluation

  • Concerns about openness – Share research showing most clients adjust quickly and maintain authentic engagement

  • Questions about necessity – Highlight specific ways recording will enhance your work together

Documenting consent

Clients must provide written consent before you begin recording sessions. Tenor makes this process simple with our digital consent workflow:

  1. Send the consent form - Email your clients Tenor's professionally-crafted consent form directly from your Tenor home page

  2. Receive client signature - When your client electronically signs the form, the completed PDF will be automatically sent to your email

  3. Store in your system - Upload the PDF to your EHR to maintain proper documentation

This streamlined process eliminates paperwork while ensuring proper compliance. For practices with specific requirements, you're welcome to customize our template form to suit your needs.

Note: Tenor does not store the signed consent form in our system, which protects client privacy and supports the use of pseudonyms in our platform.

Consent requirements

For valid recording consent documentation:

  • It must be in writing with an authentic signature

  • It should clearly explain how recordings will be used

  • It must be stored securely in your EHR system

  • It should specify that consent can be withdrawn at any time

Citations

  • Elwyn, G., Barr, P. J., & Grande, S. W. (2015). Patients recording clinical encounters: A path to empowerment? BMJ Open, 5(8), e008566. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008566

  • Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications, and theory. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

  • Shepherd, L., Salkovskis, P. M., & Morris, M. (2009). Recording therapy sessions: An evaluation of patient and therapist reported behaviours, attitudes and preferences. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37(2), 141–150. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465809005190

  • Yalom, I. D. (2002). The gift of therapy: An open letter to a new generation of therapists and their patients. New York: HarperCollins.

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