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Staying happy in Paradise - the Counseling Corner
Richard L. Fellner |
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Confidentiality
One of the lesser known aspects of psychotherapy is the
rule of confidentiality. This rule (which by the way is not a binding part
of Thai law yet, but handled very strictly in most Western countries)
basically says that everything a client tells in the context of an ongoing
psychotherapy has to remain between the therapist and the client/patient. In
my home country Austria, psychotherapists are not even allowed to inform
married partners about the diagnosis or whether the spouse or wife has been
attending a therapy session or not. Clients can release the therapist from
this constraint, but only to a certain extent. In court, psychotherapists
are not allowed to reveal details of the therapeutic conversations as well.
Exceptions to the rule of confidentiality are usually only allowed in cases
where there is imminent danger.
While this regulation might sound awkward to some, it makes perfect sense.
It guarantees a safe place for patients where they can trustfully express
their deepest feelings and weakest points without having to fear that anyone
else will ever hear about them. In times where more and more slices of our
‘privacy’ are taken away from us by governments and electronic means, and
where society has developed some very tight models of ‘politically correct’
thinking, it can be very important to be able to have at least one place
where you can express your thoughts, concerns, or your most delicate
problems, being sure that they will remain inside the 4 walls of the
therapist’s practice.
It has happened more than just a few times, for instance, where men told me
about pedophile or violent fantasies or where women told about certain
sex-related issues or problems trying to find a partner; only if such
thoughts can be expressed and openly talked about without having to fear
being looked down upon it is possible to put these very delicate issues into
perspective and to develop strategies on how to deal with them better than
before, or maybe even to resolve the situation by applying new ideas and
approaches.
The rule of confidentiality alone is a good reason why someone seeing a
psychotherapist or counselor doesn’t have to consider themselves as ‘weak’
or ‘mental’. Having an atmosphere where one can openly talk about their
problems with someone who will take a neutral position and just tries to
support as effectively as possible can be reason enough. If you are not sure
how your therapist or counselor handles the rule of confidentiality, just
ask. It’s a sign of professionalism if you receive a straight answer on it.
Live the happy life you planned! Richard L. Fellner is head of the
Pattaya Counseling Center in Soi Khopai and offers consultations in English
and German languages (after making appointments at 0854 370 470).
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