Disclosed deep unhappiness at boarding school to counsellor

[EleanorDavies]

Advice/reassurance needed!

Started counselling because, initially of horrendous work related issues, a few weeks ago. Last week, talking about school (counsellor wanted to start at the beginning ...), was asked if I tried taking my life when I was there. (Unhappily at boarding school and very far from home.) Told her the truth, that I had tried to. I was 14 or so. Have never been asked before and have never told anyone before, not even DH who knows how sad those few years were for me.

The counsellor appeared genuinely shocked - quite horrified that as young girl should reach that point. I was actually touched that she should think it was such a sad, awful thing - of course it was but it was great to have that validated, as it were.

Now my question really is .... although she knows that I'm not suicidal now (though work has at times put me right back there - in that playground, lonely, sad, homesick, nowhere to go, an outsider ...), is this disclosure, as it were, likely to appear on my ordinary medical records (referral was from GP). I know the sessions are more or less confidential but I don't know to what extent. I'd like to think that what I said stays, as it were, in that room.

Felt a sense of relief, though. Never even told my mum and dad. I'd tried quite hard, several times, but I suppose something inside me was saying 'Hang On'.

Finally, there's an organisation called Boarding School Survivors. Very expensive 'therapy' weekends but sometimes I think I should go if only to share with people who could understand. Don't know. Anyone had any experience of this organisation or similar?

Thanks - by the way, there is some light at the end of my work tunnel. As I was writing this, I got a call to say that I've been offered another post in my organisation (interviewed yesterday) which will be a world away from the difficulties in present post.

Thanks for reading -

Hi, if your counselling is NHS then the counsellor will make whatever notes they make and they are kept together. I am unsure who has access to what medical notes. The gp will have whatever is written to them in letters and they have to write progress and discharge letters. Your risk assessment forms will be recorded also.

For instance when I had a baby at hospital XYZ my obstetrician had access to all my notes stored at hospital XYZ in the huge paper files they had. But did nt have access to the paper notes held on me at hospital ABC.

Sorry that is not helpful. You are right there is confidentiality. Why not ALS the counsellor directly?

It will be on your notes that you had counselling, just as it would be recorded if you had depression etc.