Question

Under what conditions must a therapist violate the confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship. Why is it important that the therapist not have any type of relationship with the client other than the therapeutic one.

Please answer in detail. Thank you.

Answer 1

Confidentiality is an essential aspect for maintains and preserving the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. Only under special and severe circumstances can this confidentiality can be broken. Following are the conditions as stated by the American psychological association code of ethics for psychologists:

• Poses danger to self:When the client gives information to the therapist that is indicative of anticipated garm or danger to the client, it is fine for the therapist to break the breach of confidentiality in order to save the client from danger.
• Poses danger to therapist or others: When a client reveals information that is indicative of harm to the therapist herself/himself or others it is necessary that the therapist breaks the code of confidentiality and give the necessary information.
• Mentions desire to abuse/cause harm to a minor or elderly :This can range from paedophilic tendencies to sheer pleasure from abusing the vulnerable. In such cases too the code of confidentiality can be broken.
• As a requirement from federal law
• To obtain payment from a patient or for professional consultation :in these case the minimum necessary information must be shared.

Therapeutic relationship is one where the client feels safe and is able to completely open his/her true self. Also the relationship between a client and therapist isn't Teo centered but that if a natural imbalance where the client turns towards the therapist in times of crisis and fulfills his/her need for support, reflection and identification of the necessary solutions to name a few. Thus the relationship isn't two centered like a normal relationship. If any other relationship is formed during this time it leads to role confusion and confusion with boundaries. Also the therapist is no more able to view the client objectively. Therefore it is necessary to not form any other relationship than a therapeutic one with the therapist.