Confidentiality is paramount in the therapeutic relationship between a client and a psychotherapist. Trust is essential, especially when discussing sensitive topics that are typically kept private. Your therapist should provide you with a written confidential disclosure agreement, ensuring that everything discussed in sessions remains confidential. This concept is known as "Informed Consent." While you may wish for your therapist to share information with other healthcare professionals, such as your Physician, Naturopath, or Attorney, they cannot do so without your written permission.

However, there are certain situations where therapists are required by law and professional ethics to breach confidentiality:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.

It's important to understand that the law safeguards the client-therapist relationship, prohibiting the disclosure of information without written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include cases of suspected child abuse or abuse of dependent adults or elders, which must be reported immediately. Likewise, if a client poses a serious threat of harm to themselves or others, therapists are obligated to notify the authorities and potential victims. In situations where a client expresses intent to harm themselves, therapists will make efforts to involve the client in ensuring their safety, but if cooperation is not possible, they will take necessary actions outlined by law to prevent harm.