Limits to Confidentiality
Everything you share in counselling sessions is kept private and confidential. However, there are certain legal and ethical limits to confidentiality in India:
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Risk of Harm to Self
– If you express intent to seriously harm yourself, we may be legally and ethically required to take steps to ensure your safety, which could include informing family members or authorities. -
Risk of Harm to Others
– If you state an intention to cause imminent harm to another person, we may need to inform the potential victim(s) and/or notify the appropriate authorities. -
Child Abuse or Neglect
– If we become aware of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child (a person under 18 years), we may be required to report this to child protection services or appropriate authorities. -
Abuse of Vulnerable Persons
– If there is evidence of abuse or neglect of vulnerable individuals (such as elders, differently-abled persons, or dependent adults), reporting may be necessary. -
Court Orders
– If a court of law requires disclosure of counselling records or information, we are legally bound to comply.
At Inner Gateway Counselling, all sessions are private and confidential. Your records are securely maintained and will never be shared without your written consent, except under certain legal or ethical Confidentiality limits as mentioned above. Our team is committed to offering a safe, respectful, and confidential counselling space.
Client Bill of Rights
As a client of Inner Gateway Counselling, you have the right to
- Be treated with respect, dignity, and sensitivity.
- Receive privacy during discussions and counselling sessions.
- Participate in decisions about your care, unless there is a clear reason why this is not possible.
- Express comments, feedback, or grievances directly to us through our contact page.
- Refuse or stop a session at any time.
- Request clarity and information about your counselling process.
Client Responsibilities
As a client, you are expected to:
- Provide accurate personal information for records.
- Arrive on time for appointments and cancel/reschedule in advance if needed.
- Ask for clarification whenever something is not understood.
- Share complete and accurate information about your concerns, health, or medications (if relevant).
- Follow the session plan mutually agreed upon with your counsellor.
- Pay for services as agreed.
- Safeguard your data and ensure your counselling records remain private.
- Update your contact details when they change.
Client Expectations
As part of creating a safe and respectful counselling environment, clients are expected to:
Respectful Communication
- Communicate with counsellors and staff in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Avoid abusive language, verbal sexual harassment, threats, or inappropriate behaviour, which may result in discontinuation of services.
Privacy and Confidentiality
- Recording or videoing of sessions is not permitted.
- Be mindful of the privacy of counselors and staff during, before, and after the session.