Clients know each other
Trauma, Grief and EMDR clinician here, independently licensed, working in a group private practice -
My caseload is almost exclusively veterans, first responders, emergency medicine practitioners, lawyers, coroners, etc. In other words, the people in our society who see and experience the worst of the worst.
Often, my clients are referrals from their friends/coworkers. It is not uncommon for then to run into each other in the parking lot or waiting room. I imagine this could be common in smaller towns or more rural areas but I am in a suburb of a very large metropolitan area. In part this says how needed this specialty is and how few resources these populations have they can trust. So, if anyone is interested in doing this work - which can be very difficult - I encourage you to learn the culture and do it.
I've been in this role for about 6 years and in a related role for a decade before this. Since I've focused my practice three years ago, these considerations have become more relevant. I swear I've worked with half the emergency and ICU staff at one hospital, and most every police and fire department in the wider area at this point. Everyone really does know everyone.
Currently, I have two sets of close friends (four different clients) where one referred the second, meaning they expect to run into each other and will actually schedule themselves so they can get together after the second person's session. I am deeply complimented my clients feel they are getting help with some pretty horrific stuff, and they feel comfortable enough to talk with others who are struggling. This requires me to hold very, very strong boundaries on confidentiality which is something we all should be doing anyway. But it occasionally feels a bit weird.
As a side note, I have some personal medical stuff coming up and my doctor is at this same hospital. I'm really not sure how I will feel being the 'patient' to my clients! It would be the same if I had to call 911 as the probability I know the firefighters or paramedics or cops - or their bosses - is pretty high.
I'm looking to hear from other clinicians. Maybe you work in a small town or community? How do you handle all of these types of 'almost' dual relationships?