Psychologist break confidentiality?

[TimTams]

Hello I have a question regarding when a psychologist is allowed to break confidentiality.

I am over 18 but was abused at 15.

If I speak to a psychologist about the details, can she break confidentiality and tell the police?

Or is it only if someone is still a minor that they can do this?

I did some reading and I think as I was the victim and am now over 18 that I can choose to keep it confidential? Is this correct?

Thank you

[TimTams]

Do you know if I could possibly talk to someone at Beyond Blue before my appointment or do they not offer that type of service? Is the phone line just for people who are suicidal?

[Sophie_M]

Hi TimTams. The Beyond Blue Support Service is not actually a crisis service and we recommend that anyone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide gets in touch with our friends at Lifeline or visits their nearest hospital emergency room. Our counsellors offer information, referrals and some counselling so if you're looking for someone to talk to before your appointment, we encourage you to use our Webchat service (between 3pm-112am AEST): www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport or call 1300 22 4636. 

[Guest5643]

Hi TimTams.

Please try give the writing on paper a go. It's incredible how much it helps.

Lynne

[TimTams]

Hi again Lynne,

I called an anonymous helpline and did not go into the details but told someone what the whole story 'generally' was. Suffice to say, I feel really better and it was comforting not to carry it on my shoulders alone. I do not really want to write it out but thank you for the strategy idea, I might use that with less full-on life struggles. I feel like a weight is really off my shoulders, that it is not my responsibility anymore. I am not sure I will talk to my psychologist about the 'full details' or even the details at all now or if I will keep those sessions about moving forward. I just feel happy I told someone. It was a massive weight on me and my future.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi TimTams,

So sorry for the late reply! I'm really glad that Helium has jumped in with some support. I really agree with everything you've said and I'm so glad that you've found this a safe space to talk. I felt so upset and frustrated reading your other posts and what you had to go through. It sounds like what you needed is to be really listened to and be believed.

I really hope that this psychologist will be able to give you that experience you've waited so long for.

[TimTams]

Thanks I did not think it would help me talking online in an anonymous fashion but it has. Unfortunately though, there is still a lot of people who victim blame and these people have no idea about what they are talking about. I have realised their opinions do not matter anymore. What matters is I had integrity when others including my ex-partner did not. I know it sounds stupid but the person on the 1800 respect hotline was the first person who told me that they believed me. I did not know how to handle it when I heard "I believe you" because up until now all I got was hate and more abuse. It really was the best feeling in the world. Thank you.

[TimTams]

And yes I guess what was making it harder for me was that the police closed my case before investigating to the point they did not even know there was another history of abuse in the situation. It really, really hurt given what happened to me was not a joke and was extremely serious. What happened to me when I was younger was very, very serious. I really could not tell anyone in the police force. I am glad I told someone and was able to remain anonymous because I did not want to go through that again. I experienced enough judgements from people and have no desire now to reveal the whole truth. I've seen the ugly side of people in that way but I am not going to look back. I shrug my shoulders now because what might happen to other people is not my problem, I did try...

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi TimTams,

It means so much to me that you've been able to open up here, especially knowing how hard it has been for you, and I'm also really glad that it's helped.

You're absolutely right, the people who blame victims have no idea what they're talking about, and their opinions don't have to matter. Seeing that is so important. What's really sad though is that these people who victim blame can sometimes include the police - who supposedly have a duty and responsibility to believe you, listen to you and protect you.

I guess what's really important though is what happens now and what you decide to do. I'm guessing that ringing that 1800 RESPECT line must have been so hard, but it sounds like it was totally worth it just to hear that you are believed. For what it's worth, I've never doubted what you've gone through and I believe you too - and sorry if I didn't say that earlier and it's what you needed to hear.

[TimTams]

I read a lot about victim blaming but I did not know just how bad and rife it is until I went through this. I thought by 2018/19 society would be less shocked that rapists exist but it seems I still put my head up too early. Yes 1800 RESPECT were so good and they understood how I was feeling. I really felt that they did believe me and I have just felt this wave of relief spread over me since calling them. I am so proud of myself for calling. It was the most difficult decision I made in my entire life. It really was the first time I could tell that someone believed me and their belief was genuine, I could just tell. It goes to show that one person believing someone can make a really big difference to their future happiness. I feel a lot more peaceful and able to put the events behind me. Thank you and I just feel enormous relief now.

[Guest5643]

Hi TimTams.

I believe you. I"m so proud of you.

Lynne