Dr. Meera Iyer, a psychotherapist in Pune, completed her clinical training and still attends regular workshops to update her skills. Rohan, a 20-year-old college student, comes to her with severe anxiety. In the first session she explains what the therapy will involve, how long it may take and what it will cost, and Rohan agrees in writing before treatment begins. Later, Rohan's uncle phones her to ask what Rohan has been discussing; she politely refuses to tell him. Rohan follows a faith different from hers, and she treats his beliefs with respect. She keeps the relationship strictly professional, and she judges every decision by one test: will it ease Rohan's distress?
Identify the ethical standard Meera follows when she refuses to tell Rohan's uncle what Rohan has discussed in therapy.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Maintaining confidentiality of the client
Option (1) Taking informed consent — Incorrect. Informed consent is the client's agreement to treatment after it is explained. Meera took it in the first session; it has nothing to do with sharing what Rohan said.
Option (2) Maintaining confidentiality of the client — Correct. Confidentiality means what a client says in therapy stays private. Even a relative cannot be told without the client's permission, so Meera's refusal keeps this standard.
Option (3) Respect for human rights and dignity — Incorrect. Respect for rights and dignity is about treating the client as a person of worth, such as honouring his faith. Keeping his words private is a separate, named standard.
Option (4) Integrity of the practitioner-client relationship — Incorrect. Integrity is about keeping the relationship honest and professional. Refusing the uncle protects the relationship too, but the standard it directly meets is confidentiality.
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.” |