One of the perks of going to therapy is that what you share in the room stays in the room. This means that I do not share your personal details with anyone else and any documentation related to our work together is stored in a secure place. 

Limits of confidentiality

However, as a therapist I do have certain limitations on confidentiality. In the following cases, I would not be able to ensure confidentiality:

1. If a client presents a risk of physical harm to themselves or others, I am obligated to notify the appropriate parties.

2. If a client reports child neglect or abuse, I have a duty to report to Family & Children's Services.

3. If a client reports elder abuse.

4. If clinical records are subpoenaed through a court order.

5. If you share that you have been abused by a healthcare practitioner.

6. If you sign a release of information giving me permission to speak to someone about our work together.

7. If a presenting issue is beyond my scope of practice, I may seek clinical supervision/consultation. However, in this instance, your personal information would remain anonymous as I would continue to ensure your privacy.

Please note that in all instances I will do my very best to have a conversation with you about my concerns before any action is taken. 

confidentiality In Public

Confidentiality also extends outside of the office. If we see each other in a public setting, such as at the grocery store, I will not say "hi" or acknowledge that I’ve seen you. This is not meant to ignore you, rather to prevent you from having to explain to someone how we know each other. Clients are welcome to say “hello,” but it’s all up to your comfort level. While some people are open about telling others they are in therapy, not everyone is comfortable doing so (or wants to see their therapist outside of the office); therefore, I want to make sure the choice to share is yours.

Parents

Working with teenagers means that parents are often arranging their appointments, driving them to their sessions, and footing the bill. Understandably, this also means that parents want to know how their child is doing in therapy. While well-intentioned, the rules of confidentiality apply to teenagers, as well. Please note that I do not share what your child discusses in session. Maintaining this therapeutic relationship is essential for your child to feel that they can have an open and honest conversation with me without fearing that it will come back to a parent.