The Power of Asking: Consent  

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes

 

What is Consent?

Consent means agreeing to something or giving permission for it to happen. It's like saying "yes" to something, but it's important that the person saying "yes" fully understands what they're agreeing to and that they're okay with it. Consent is about respecting someone's boundaries and making sure everyone involved feels comfortable and safe. Without consent, it's not okay to do something to someone else.

 

Common Situations Requiring Consent

 

1. Physical Intimacy: This includes activities like kissing, hugging, and sexual intercourse. Both partners must give clear and enthusiastic consent before engaging in any form of physical intimacy.

2. Sharing Personal Information: Before sharing someone else's personal information, such as their address or contact details, it's important to obtain their consent. This applies both in-person and online.

3. Taking Photographs or Videos: Before taking photographs or videos of someone, especially in private or intimate settings, it's essential to obtain their consent. This includes sharing these images publicly or online.

4. Borrowing or Using Personal Property: Before borrowing or using someone else's personal belongings, such as clothing, electronic devices, or vehicles, it's important to obtain their permission.

5. Physical Touch: In everyday interactions, such as shaking hands, giving hugs, or patting someone on the back, it's important to respect personal boundaries and obtain consent if unsure.

6. Changing or Ending a Conversation: If someone expresses discomfort or disinterest in a conversation topic, it's important to respect their boundaries and obtain consent before continuing or changing the subject.

 

5 Do's & Don'ts of Consent

 

1. Don't violate boundaries or engage in activities that exceed the agreed-upon scope of consent. Instead, do respect and honour the boundaries established by all parties involved.

2. Don't disregard age differences or power imbalances that may impact someone's ability to give genuine consent. Instead, be mindful of these factors and prioritize equal and respectful interactions.

3. Don't proceed if someone is incapable of giving consent due to unconsciousness, sleep, or incapacitation. Instead, wait for them to be fully conscious and aware before initiating any activity.

4. Don't assume consent for one activity implies consent for another. Instead, obtain specific consent for each new interaction or level of intimacy.

5. Don't ignore or dismiss verbal or non-verbal cues indicating discomfort or hesitation. Instead, prioritize open communication and check in regularly to ensure ongoing consent.

6. Don't make assumptions about someone's sexual orientation, preferences, or desires. Instead, approach conversations about consent with sensitivity and respect for individual differences.

7. Don't share someone else's personal information or stories without their consent, even if you think it's harmless or amusing. Instead, respect their privacy and confidentiality by seeking permission before sharing anything sensitive about them.

8. Don't overlook the importance of consent in professional settings, such as collaboration on projects, sharing resources, or delegating tasks. Instead, ensure that everyone involved agrees to their roles and responsibilities and respects each other's contributions.

 

How Does Consent Work in Therapy Room?

 

• Within the therapeutic context, consent forms are standard practice, serving to document a client’s agreement to a proposed treatment plan. These forms are typically requested by mental health providers before beginning treatment to ensure patients fully understand the treatment approach and potential outcomes, thereby establishing clarity and accountability within the therapeutic relationship.

• Therapists start by explaining the rules of engagement in therapy, such as confidentiality agreements and client rights, ensuring both parties understand and respect each other's boundaries from the start, like setting ground rules before playing a game. 

• Throughout therapy sessions, therapists regularly check in with clients to ensure they're comfortable with the direction of the conversation, and to make sure everyone feels heard and respected in the room.

• Mental health professionals provide clients with comprehensive information about proposed interventions, including potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This enables clients to make informed decisions about their therapy, ensuring a collaborative and mutually respectful therapeutic relationship.

• Therapists adapt their methods based on client preferences and feedback, much like a personal trainer tailoring workouts to fit the goals and comfort levels of their client, ensuring a sense of ownership and agency in the therapeutic process.

 

Conclusion

 

Integrating consent as a practice involves ongoing efforts to prioritise clear communication, mutual respect, and the acknowledgement of personal boundaries in all interactions. Consistently seeking enthusiastic consent, respecting verbal and non-verbal cues, and openly communicating about desires and boundaries contribute to the establishment of healthy and respectful relationships. Moreover, regular check-ins and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing the autonomy and well-being of all parties involved. By adopting consent as a fundamental principle and integrating it into everyday interactions, individuals can contribute to the creation of safer, more inclusive, and empowering spaces for themselves and others.

 

About the Author: Sukhmani Bhatia (She/her) is a Consultant Psychotherapist at The Mind Garden. Holding a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, English Literature, and Economics from Mount Carmel College, Sukhmani advocates for affordable mental health care without compromising quality, empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being and thrive.