Feeling unsettled

[Guest_10319]

I suffer from CPTSD and am in my sixties now.  I engaged with a psychologist this morning (for the first time with them) and they went through the confidentiality guidelines. Now, my anxiety is in overdrive. Can my psychologist report my childhood abuse to the authorities? I was clear about only wanting to talk to someone, and that one of my abusers has passed away and the other is in their eighties.

I'm not in danger, and neither is anyone else, so am I right in believing nothing can be reported? 

[Picture]

Hello - sorry for what you have been through. I can’t advise as to the legal position, but I think it would be useful to clarify this with the psychologist before saying anything further. 

[Psychdiaries2]

Hello, 

I’m sorry to hear about what you have endured. Thanks for reaching out here. 

I’m pretty sure that psychologists will only report instances of child abuse if you are still getting abused and in danger. As you mentioned you are safe now, I doubt that the psychologist will be obligated to report past abuse. However, if the abuser is still in contact with or harming other people then that is a different story and maybe then will they be reported. 

Sorry that I’m not 100% sure, but I think it is best to clarify this with the psychologist before continuing. I hope this doesn’t hinder your journey in therapy in any way and that you get the support you need. 

Take care ❤️

[melodica]

Hello,I am sorry for what you have gone through and glad you have reached out to a psychologist. I have found mine very helpful in dealing with trauma.My understanding is that unless you are harming yourself or others or have a plan to end your life, everything is confidential. Your abuse would not be reported since you are no longer a child and it would be up to you to report it.I hope this helps alleviate your fears. I understand well how scary it is to start getting support for childhood trauma.