Consider the following actions of a psychotherapist, Dr. Sen:
(A) She takes informed consent before starting therapy.
(B) She shares a client's personal details with the client's employer without permission.
(C) She keeps the alleviation of the client's distress as the goal of her work.
(D) She treats each client with respect for human rights and dignity.
How many of these actions follow the ethical standards of psychotherapy?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Only three
(A) She takes informed consent before starting therapy. — Correct. Taking informed consent before therapy is one of the ethical standards a psychotherapist must follow.
(B) She shares a client's personal details with the client's employer without permission. — Incorrect. Sharing a client's personal details without permission breaks confidentiality. The standard is that the client's confidentiality should be maintained.
(C) She keeps the alleviation of the client's distress as the goal of her work. — Correct. Alleviating personal distress and suffering should be the goal of all the therapist's attempts.
(D) She treats each client with respect for human rights and dignity. — Correct. Respect for human rights and dignity is one of the ethical standards of psychotherapy.
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.” |