Question

Please read the following case and answer the questions.

A 15-year-old girl is in individual therapy. Her parents are concerned about her recently declining school performance and her withdrawal
from many social activities. At the outset of the treatment, the parents agreed to the therapist’s recommendation that their daughter’streatment be kept confidential unless she was a danger to herself or to others. This meant that, even though the parents legally have a right to access information regarding their minor child’s treatment, they wished to respect the therapeutic
relationship and not request information. Several weeks into therapy, the daughter has disclosed that she is involved in a sexual relationship with a 20-year-old male, who has also introduced her to drug. The therapist wonders at what point confidentiality must be
sacrificed so that the child’s parents can take steps to protect her.

a)What are the problems?
b)What do you think should be done about them?

Answer 1

A. The problems are that the girl is turning towards isolation and hiding her problems. She feels uncomfortable to share that she is involved with drugs and a sexual relationship with an older man.

B. I think the problems should be shared with the parents so they can try and help her get out of the deep hole she is. They could help her by talking to her one on one or by trying to get her into other hobbies.

Hope that helps :)