Privacy
Clients enter into a counseling relationship to begin a journey of personal growth. This journey entails the disclosure of very personal information and you want to make sure you can trust the therapist to uphold your confidentiality. You need to know the parameters of confidentiality BEFORE you start therapy: In most circumstances, your confidentiality will be upheld. As I say to my clients, “What is said in this room, stays in this room.” However, there are exceptions that counselors must adhere to.
Legal Exceptions to Confidentiality
Child abuse or neglect
Elder abuse or neglect
Dependent adult abuse or neglect
Serious threats to harm others
Serious threats to harm yourself
Court order requiring therapist testimony to be released to the court
Other/Ethical Exceptions to Confidentiality
Case consultation with other mental health professionals for the benefit of your therapy