Dr. Meera Iyer, a psychotherapist in Pune, holds a degree in clinical psychology and attends workshops every year on new methods. Rohan, a 20-year-old college student, comes to her with severe anxiety. In the first session she tells him what the therapy will involve, how long it may take and what it will cost, and he signs before treatment begins. When Rohan's uncle phones to ask what Rohan has been discussing, she politely declines to say. Rohan follows a faith different from hers, and she never mocks or questions it. She turns down his invitation to a family wedding. After each session she asks herself one thing: does Rohan leave lighter than he came?
Meera's habit of asking herself after each session whether Rohan leaves lighter than he came shows which ethical standard?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Alleviating personal distress and suffering
Option (1) Professional competence and skills — Incorrect. Professional competence and skills are seen in Meera's clinical degree and her yearly workshops. They concern her training.
Option (2) Integrity of the practitioner-client relationship — Incorrect. Integrity of the practitioner-client relationship means keeping the bond strictly professional, as when Meera turns down the wedding invitation.
Option (3) Alleviating personal distress and suffering — Correct. Judging each session by whether Rohan leaves lighter means every step is measured by how far it reduces his suffering. This is the standard that <strong>alleviating personal distress and suffering should be the goal of all attempts of the therapist</strong>.
Option (4) Respect for human rights and dignity — Incorrect. Respect for human rights and dignity shows in how Meera treats Rohan's faith, never mocking or questioning it. It is about respecting the client as a person.
NCERT (2026-27): “Ethics in Psychotherapy “1. Informed consent needs to be taken. 2. Confidentiality of the client should be maintained.” “3. Alleviating personal distress and suffering should be the goal of all attempts of the therapist.” “4. Integrity of the practitioner-client relationship is important.” “5. Respect for human rights and dignity. 6. Professional competence and skills are essential.” |