Clinical Psychologist - privacy guidelines around sensitive information clarification please...

[Tweet-Heart]

I have just started seeing a clinical psychologist, he told me about privacy which I understand. However, I want to discuss some sensitive information and provide him with sensitive documents that I don't want other people or third party agencies to know about. I called AHPRA today and they referred me to the APS Code of ethics which is a legally binding document. However, I am still uncertain about whether a clinical psychologist can retain a sensitive file and less sensitive file. I am just concerned about third party agencies like Centrelink, insurers, worksafe etc finding out about sensitive information that is not relevant and then using that against me. I just feel that people should be able to consult with professionals without having to worry about this kind of thing. I also don't want him to keep an electronic file. Maybe I should discuss this with him at our next session, any advice would be appreciated.

[Tweet-Heart]

Thanks Paul

I am going to request more frequent appointments (i.e weekly rather than fortnightly). He needs time to go through hospital records, I am talking over 400 pages across 3 admissions and approx 300 for the other admission. I am documenting my ptsd symptoms that I mentioned above.

He told me to trust him I have only seen him 3 times, he knows about my previous bad experiences with psychiatrists.

Thanks for the reassurance, I don't feel amazing but appreciate the compliment.

[Tweet-Heart]

Im getting really worried 😩 haven't slept properly and am feeling very jittery I feel like something bad is going to happen. I'm getting nightmares and flashbacks I'm not seeing him again until Thursday.

I am trying to tell myself 'it's just the trauma taking' but it's getting really bad.

Can someone please give me some tips on how to deal with this please?

[Guest_47141645]

be careful