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?
Meera treats Rohan's faith, which differs from her own, with respect. Which of the following ethical standards does this behaviour show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Respect for human rights and dignity
Option (1) Professional competence and skills — Incorrect. Competence refers to the therapist's training and skills. Her workshops show it; respecting a client's beliefs is a different standard.
Option (2) Alleviating personal distress and suffering — Incorrect. Easing distress is the goal of the therapist's work. Respecting a different faith is about the client's dignity.
Option (3) Taking informed consent — Incorrect. Informed consent is the client's agreement to treatment after it is explained.
Option (4) Respect for human rights and dignity — Correct. Respect for human rights and dignity means accepting the client as a person of worth, including his beliefs. Honouring Rohan's faith without judging it shows this standard.
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.” |