Confidentiality
 
  1. As a general rule, supervisors must maintain confidentiality with regard to the therapist and to the client with the following exceptions:
    • If there is to be more detailed discussion of a client (so that the client is recognisable) then the supervisor and therapist must have clearly agreed this from the onset. However, in order to do this, agreement must be sought from the client concerned as well as those on whom the supervisor relies for support, supervision or consultancy. There must also be clarification, at this stage, about the boundaries of confidentiality regarding people (other than the therapist) to whom the supervisor is accountable.
    • When the supervisor considers it necessary to prevent serious emotional or physical damage to the client confidentiality may be breached. However, it is imperative that the supervisor informs the therapist that the supervisor intends to breach their confidentiality agreement.
  2. Confidentiality does not preclude the disclosure of confidential information when relevant to the following:
    • Recommendation concerning therapists for professional purposes.
    • Pursuit of disciplinary action involving therapists in matters pertaining to ethical standards.
    • Legal requirements.
  3. Information about specific therapists or their client may only be used for publication with prior written consent and should be purposeful and constructive.
 
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