Q: Hi, I have an appointment with my school counsellor monday morning. I have a problem regarding my sexuality. (I'm a lesbian), If I told her I'm gay, would she tell anyone else/ my parents? Anyways, when I tell her... How should I bring it up. I'm meeting her for the first time too. "Hi, I'm a lesbian will you give me some adivce on coming out?" etc. Uhh . help ? (: Don't think I'm a troll either, I have a level 4 account. I just don't want any of my friends on there to know.
A: Before you discuss any of your private issues, you should discuss your concerns about the degree of confidentiality you can be assured. Counselors have limits on what they can keep confidential and are bound by law in certain circumstances to break confidentiality. For example, if someone reveals an intent to harm another person, or if the counselor becomes aware of specific harm or neglect that is happening to children or the elderly, the counselor is compelled to report this. They have no choice. Your counselor should be willing to explain to you what the limits of her confidentiality are and once you feel safe enough about those limits, then you should feel free to move ahead.