Client Confidentiality

318 Words2 Pages

Confidentiality becomes a particularly complicated issue when working with HIV positive clients. There is no consensus amongst scholars regarding the ethical standards for maintaining confidentiality of HIV+ clients, as there are numerous factors that must be considered for each case. The counselor has a persistent responsibility to respect the autonomy and fidelity of clients by protecting their disclosures. Many counselors view confidentiality as a "sacred covenant" that should never be violated, in any case. A primary rationale for this view is that breaking confidentiality can have a permanent, negative effect on the therapeutic alliance. If it does, the capacity for therapy and growth will been severely impacted. Clients may even be hesitant

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