Question

BigBrotherLove · 07-31-2007, 12:21 PM

My half brother is over twice my age- and im underage.

If i told a counsellor about our (my brother and I) experiences would it remain confidential or could she/he have the power to inform my parents, or worse- authorities?

Does it depend on what happened?

I need to talk this all through with someone.

Advice very much appreciated,

Thanks.

mar · 08-12-2007, 09:15 AM

Hi,

You do not mention if you grew up with your half brother, or if you have just met?

I am not sure of the position legally with regards to talking to a counsellor, but I would suggest that you think about how young you still are. If you are still under-age, you have a lot of growing-up to do emotionally. I know you might not think so! But in 10 years time, you might look back and think that your half-brother should have prevented this....

Your half-brother is an adult, and he should be responsible in this. Even if you were not related, he is still breaking the law in relation to you as you are underage.

Hope this helps a bit.

Best wishes, Mar

Victor · 08-31-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBrotherLove

My half brother is over twice my age- and im underage.

If i told a counsellor about our (my brother and I) experiences would it remain confidential or could she/he have the power to inform my parents, or worse- authorities?

Does it depend on what happened?

I need to talk this all through with someone.

Advice very much appreciated,

Thanks.

Your counsellor has an obligation to maintain your "patient-counsellor confidentiality" so long as doing so does not put anyone else at risk. I do not see how a sexual relationship, even an "incestual" (GSA) one, would do so.

lighthouse · 08-31-2007, 09:41 PM

Just to be sure, ask the counselor. You can ask something like this: if I told you something in confidence, would you be obligated to tell my parents? They you could generally specify that it concerns a relationship, or something that might be illegal, etc.

Good luck. It's important to talk to someone. Remember that not everyone, even counselors, know much about this, so if you get a reaction that is overly judgemental, find someone else to talk to.

5Kmom · 08-31-2007, 10:58 PM

Actually, by law, a counsellor may required to report any behavior that would place a minor at risk. It is important to talk to someone, but most professionals have that legal obligation - it is connected to their licensure. In my state, teachers, counsellors, nurses, physicians, social workers, etc. - anyone who is in that type of position is obligated to report to child protective services any behavior that is illegal (even consentual sex) if a minor is involved. The laws may vary state to state, so you will need to check with someone knowledgeable about your state (and possibly federal) law regarding minors and reportable issues.
5Kmom

Victor · 09-01-2007, 12:20 AM

Wow! How did I miss that she was "underage". What 5Kmom said...

corkscribe · 09-05-2007, 07:01 AM

A friend of mine is a counsellor, and although client confidentiality is a serious issue, it is not an absolute. What I suggest is that you ask your counsellor where he/she stands.. for example .. " I need to discuss something with you that may involve breaking the law.. can you assure my confidentiality?"..

This must be so difficult for you.. :-(

CS

luvsbubby · 09-07-2007, 09:23 AM

I am very positive that your counseller has an obligation to inform the law. If it was not rape I would not share this with your counseller..you will have a world of trouble on your hands if you are in a consential relationship with your brother. Do you mind my asking what your ages are?
Luvsbubby

07-31-2007, 12:21 PM	#1
BigBrotherLove Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4	Question My half brother is over twice my age- and im underage. If i told a counsellor about our (my brother and I) experiences would it remain confidential or could she/he have the power to inform my parents, or worse- authorities? Does it depend on what happened? I need to talk this all through with someone. Advice very much appreciated, Thanks.

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08-12-2007, 09:15 AM	#2
mar Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 23	Hi, You do not mention if you grew up with your half brother, or if you have just met? I am not sure of the position legally with regards to talking to a counsellor, but I would suggest that you think about how young you still are. If you are still under-age, you have a lot of growing-up to do emotionally. I know you might not think so! But in 10 years time, you might look back and think that your half-brother should have prevented this.... Your half-brother is an adult, and he should be responsible in this. Even if you were not related, he is still breaking the law in relation to you as you are underage. Hope this helps a bit. Best wishes, Mar

08-31-2007, 09:41 PM	#4
lighthouse Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 8	Just to be sure, ask the counselor. You can ask something like this: if I told you something in confidence, would you be obligated to tell my parents? They you could generally specify that it concerns a relationship, or something that might be illegal, etc. Good luck. It's important to talk to someone. Remember that not everyone, even counselors, know much about this, so if you get a reaction that is overly judgemental, find someone else to talk to.

08-31-2007, 10:58 PM	#5
5Kmom Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 36	Actually, by law, a counsellor may required to report any behavior that would place a minor at risk. It is important to talk to someone, but most professionals have that legal obligation - it is connected to their licensure. In my state, teachers, counsellors, nurses, physicians, social workers, etc. - anyone who is in that type of position is obligated to report to child protective services any behavior that is illegal (even consentual sex) if a minor is involved. The laws may vary state to state, so you will need to check with someone knowledgeable about your state (and possibly federal) law regarding minors and reportable issues. 5Kmom

09-01-2007, 12:20 AM	#6
Victor Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 106	Wow! How did I miss that she was "underage". What 5Kmom said...

09-05-2007, 07:01 AM	#7
corkscribe Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 1	A friend of mine is a counsellor, and although client confidentiality is a serious issue, it is not an absolute. What I suggest is that you ask your counsellor where he/she stands.. for example .. " I need to discuss something with you that may involve breaking the law.. can you assure my confidentiality?".. This must be so difficult for you.. :-( CS

09-07-2007, 09:23 AM	#8
luvsbubby Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ohio Posts: 89	I am very positive that your counseller has an obligation to inform the law. If it was not rape I would not share this with your counseller..you will have a world of trouble on your hands if you are in a consential relationship with your brother. Do you mind my asking what your ages are? Luvsbubby