Mental health matters – Confidentiality – Inner Dawn Counsellor Kala’s views featured in Deccan Herald
The recent incident of Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, and the associated complexities of the case, have been extensively covered in the media. It is important for the media to provide an objective and unbiased view on what is happening rather than on the basis of sensationalism.
Different media channels project and highlight different aspects of the case. And one of the aspects which has been significantly highlighted is the mental health issues of the late actor.
Though the topic of mental health, being discussed in the public domain is good, it has also raised so many questions regarding client therapist confidentiality.
This also brings up a lot of questions from my existing clients and potential clients who want to enter into therapy with respect to what is confidential what is not. And it has also created more fear and hesitation amongst potential clients, whether the information that they share in therapy will be disclosed, and in what context under which circumstances.
Mental health practitioners adhere to a Code of ethics in which Confidentiality is fundamental. And practitioners will explain the terms, conditions and clauses around the topics of confidentiality to clients and will need to adhere to it.
Here are 5 questions that you can ask your therapist/counsellor regarding confidentiality.
- What are the confidentiality clauses of your contract / working arrangement?
- Are there situations where confidentiality can be broken? What are they?
- Will you discuss with me, what your plan of action is, if there is a need for a breach of confidentiality?
- What code of ethics do you follow in your practice?
- If you discuss my case with your supervisor/colleagues, how will I still be protected?
Having said that, in a way it is good that the mental health has become a topic of conversation and it is important that it does not remain a taboo any more.
Inner dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald Metro life, dated 5th September 2020.