Dr Tan commented that therapist and client relationship should be asymmetrical, i.e. one way focus on client and his/her needs. It should not be 2-way or dual as in social relationship where there is no boundary. A therapist should maintain objectivity, neutrality and abstinence.
Dr Tan touched on the non-sexual boundary crossings. Although self-disclosure used to be an absolute prohibition, it becomes essential when disclosure of therapist’s health condition, for e.g., may determine the duration of sessions.
Confidentiality may be breached if client’s suicidal, homicidal or when the court demands for it. And confidentiality of clinical information about clients remains ethically in force after the death of client and therapist. (This is new to me!)
Tarasoff Principle - When a psychotherapist determines that his patient represents a serious danger of violence to another, he incurs an obligation to use reasonable care to protect the intended victim against such danger. The discharge of such duty may call for the therapist to warn the intended victim or others likely to apprise the victim of the danger, to notify the police, or to take whatever other steps are reasonably necessary under the circumstances. - Judge Tabrinen 1976
(Protective Privilege ends when public peril begins – Tarasoff vs Regents 1976)
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