Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the bedrock of therapeutic environments. This is because it allows trust to develop. In institutional settings there can be complexities. However, if a community can work with excellent ethical practice a good reputation cannot fail to increase.
In complex environments it is necessary to work out whose interests do we serve. It has to be the service user.
- Permission – this allows our clients to explore aspects of themselves that may have felt 'wrong' or shameful
- Protection – this is offered by the therapists in supporting clients in making desired changes – confidentiality is part of this protection
- Potency – therapeutic potency arises from having the above in place
Boundaries and confidentiality may appear complex but can be made simple and straightforward for good ethical practice. They can be done with ease and this can be taught.