COMMON QUESTIONS
confidentiality (noun): the state of keeping or being kept secret or private
ARE MY SESSIONS WITH YOU COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL?
Your right to privacy is very important to me and is one of my top priorities. I have a duty to the counselling profession and to the professional code of ethics to safeguard what is said during each and every one of our counselling sessions. As we will discuss during the informed consent process, I am ethically bound to obtain your consent before discussing your personal matters with anyone else.
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However, there are some circumstances where I may be required by law to disclose certain information. These circumstances can be any of the following:
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- You are a minor, and your guardian(s) lawfully have a right to know what is discussed in therapy. At the beginning of therapy, we will sit down with your guardian(s) to determine when, and if, therapeutic information is to be passed along to them. We will also discuss what type of information you are willing to have disclosed, and we will only continue with both your, and your guardian's, consent.
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- I am required by law to report any disclosure of child (or vulnerable adult) abuse or neglect.
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- If it becomes known that you are a danger to yourself (i.e., bodily harm) or if you are a dangerous threat to others.
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- If I am mandated by the court system, or if you are currently on parole, and/or within the court system.
WILL YOU TELL MY PARENTS WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY?
If you are under the age of 18 and considered a minor, we will discuss the limits of confidentiality with your guardian(s) at the beginning of therapy. During this process, we will collaborate on what information, if any, is allowed to be told to your guardian(s). Regardless of your age, you have a right to privacy and for your personal concerns to be kept confidential. Since your privacy is my top priority, what is told to your guardians will be determined on a need-to-know basis, and with your consent every time it is under consideration.
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If you are under the age of 18 but are considered a mature minor, you will be considered fully capable of receiving counselling services and in full control of what is, or is not, discussed with your guardian(s).
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However, as stated previously, if it becomes known that you, or others, are at immediate risk of harm, I am lawfully required to report this information. This is for your own, and others', safety.
WHAT WILL YOU DO IF WE HAPPEN TO MEET IN PUBLIC?
I have an ethical duty to protect your right to privacy. This includes the confidential information that you are (or have been) a client in my care.
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If we were to meet in public, I would proceed in whichever direction you feel is appropriate, and whichever way makes you feel most comfortable. This means if you say hello, I will say hello back. If you would prefer we do not acknowledge each other, and you do not give me any type of signal, I too would do the same. Maintaining the boundaries of the client-counsellor relationship is essential, and I strive to maintain these boundaries, including outside of the counselling room.
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If you prefer, we can discuss this further one-on-one to determine what you are most comfortable with.
WILL OTHER PEOPLE WORKING IN THIS AGENCY BE ABLE TO VIEW MY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (E.G., ADMINISTRATION STAFF, SUPERVISOR, MANAGER)?
Only I will have access to your confidential information. If you make a request for your personal information, in most circumstances I am required to provide you access to your files within 30 days of the request.
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Others working in the agency do not have permission to view your files without your consent. There is a clear process that must be followed to obtain any client's information, and you will be informed of this process at the beginning of therapy.
HOW DOES VIRTUAL. THERAPY WORK?
Since I will be offering virtual sessions almost exclusively, you may have some questions specific to this type of therapy.
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Due to the nature of teletherapy, creating and maintaining a confidential space for therapy can be more challenging. However, I have the skills and necessary training to protect your privacy via online platforms, so online therapy is an option if it is your preference.
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At the beginning of the therapeutic process, we will discuss the parameters of online therapy. Together, we will consider concerns including confidentiality, boundaries according to the technological preferences (e.g., text, email, videoconferencing, etc.), and additional considerations.
If you are curious about the ethical codes on which I base my practice, please refer to the link below: