How To Define Therapeutic Confidentiality

Describing the dimensions of confidentiality in a therapeutic relationship poses great complexities and be controversial but I’ll try my hand at it. The term confidentiality deals with private matters or could be defined as one being entrusted to keep unauthorized disclosed information from others. Therefore, it is vitally essential that the therapist thoroughly explain confidentiality from a client-therapist standpoint as well as take time to educate the client on situations confidentiality can be breached during the consent and inform phase. As we know, people process information differently and consequently, the clients’ concept of confidentiality can be totally opposite of what you say. Accountability is highly recommended. Although I understand that the fundamental purpose is to protect the client but my suggestion would be to get client to sign documentation and provide them

For example, I was subpoena to court for a few youths who exhibited dangerous behaviors and by law I had to comply to the law as well as release the case file. This is considered a limit to confidentiality. There were other times when cases were not subpoena and therefore I was able to limit the information provided to the courts. The information was not relevant to the court case nor was the client in harm or danger.
The difference between confidentiality and privileged communication is reflect by previous statement relating to the subpoena cases and testifying about my client. This is an example of privilege communication. Privilege deals more with the legal specifics where the client is not afforded the option to waive their confidentiality with respect to the court. Confidentiality as mentioned earlier depicts professional judgment or conduct that obligates the therapist/counselor to retain and respect the privacy of the