7.14 Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between confidentiality and privacy in the counseling context, and why are both critical to the therapeutic relationship?
- How should counselors handle situations where maintaining confidentiality may conflict with legal obligations, such as mandated reporting or court orders?
- What steps can counselors take to ensure clients fully understand the limits of confidentiality from the outset of therapy?
- How does confidentiality apply in group counseling settings, and what strategies can counselors use to promote shared responsibility among group members?
- In cases involving minors, how can counselors navigate the tension between maintaining client confidentiality and fulfilling parental or guardian rights to information?
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding confidentiality in telehealth and digital communication, and how can counselors mitigate risks?
- How should counselors respond if a client requests that specific information not be documented, even though it may be clinically significant?
- What strategies can counselors use to maintain confidentiality in interdisciplinary or team-based care settings?
- How can counselors address breaches of confidentiality, whether intentional or accidental, and work to repair trust with their clients?
- What role does cultural competence play in understanding and respecting clients’ privacy expectations, and how might this influence confidentiality practices?