Can a therapist talk about other clients?
Knowing that you can say anything to your therapist and it will remain in the room helps you feel safe and builds trust between you and the therapist. For this reason, all therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep their sessions confidential and not share with anyone else what was talked about.
What is considered confidential information in therapy?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling. This means that under normal circumstances no one outside the Counseling Center is given any information — even the fact that you have been here — without your expressed written consent.
Should a therapist share personal information?
The basic rule of thumb is that therapists should not be getting their own needs met by self-disclosing to clients. Beyond providing basic information about training or experience, it is rarely a good idea for a therapist to self-disclose early in treatment.
When should you break confidentiality?
Breaking confidentiality is done when it is in the best interest of the patient or public, required by law or if the patient gives their consent to the disclosure. Patient consent to disclosure of personal information is not necessary when there is a requirement by law or if it is in the public interest.
Why do therapists not self disclose?
Excessive personal sharing by a counselor may be seen by the client as self-serving. It may convey disinterest in the client’s issues and, thus, may be damaging to the counseling relationship. Counselor self-disclosure can be detrimental if it is provided without consideration of the client’s presenting problem.
Can my therapist share information with other people?
There may be circumstances when your therapist could be subpoenaed by the courts to share information from a session. Also, you may ask your therapist to share specific information with specific people at any given time. Ideally, you should be informed about any situation in which confidentiality must be breached.
Can ethical therapists share information about people in therapy?
Ethical therapists NEVER share information about people in therapy casually with friends, family or co-workers. It’s crucial for the therapist-patient relationship that you feel at ease sharing personal information during therapy sessions.
Do therapists serve their clients or themselves?
To fulfill their side of the bargain and devotedly serve their clients, they really have no appropriate “business” serving themselves. For example, if a client shares an experience that strongly reminds the therapist of one of their own, a powerful temptation may exist to share that experience as well.
Do therapists have to disclose information to clients?
Therapists are required by law to disclose information to protect a client or a specific individual identified by the client from “serious and foreseeable harm.” That can include specific threats, disclosure of child abuse where a child is still in danger, or concerns about elder abuse.