[MCake]

The American Psychological Association (APA) has a code of ethics: APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct If you take a look at it you'll find that this lady has probably violated certain rules (assuming that she is a psychologist, and not a counsellor/advisor/psychiatrist - they have different codes, though the contents are similar).

These rules aren't arbitrary, among other things they're designed to protect the patient from iatrogenic damages. Therapeutic relationships are unique and very complex, a client is typically placed in an extremely vulnerable position, so a therapist's missteps may have serious consequences. That's the main reason for setting up and enforcing such a strict framework.

Asking clients for rides, discussing personal issues -never mind breaching confidentiality- are huge no-nos. I've fired therapists for much less than that.

If the current arrangement is making you feel uncomfortable, chances are boundaries are being broken, and maybe you should reconsider the situation. As therapy is such a personal process, though, it's your call of course - you need to decide what to do about it.

Good luck, keep us posted