Under what circumstances should a counselor breach confidentiality?

Breaching confidentiality is a critical and complex decision faced by counselors, and it is primarily justified when there is a risk of harm involved. Specifically, the ethical obligation to protect the safety of the client or others takes precedence over confidentiality in situations where there is an imminent threat. This includes scenarios where a client may be at risk of hurting themselves or others, or when there are indications of child abuse. Counselors have a legal and moral responsibility to act in such situations to prevent harm, which may involve informing appropriate authorities or other parties.

In contrast, situations such as a client's expression of dissatisfaction do not warrant breaching confidentiality, as these concerns do not imply an immediate risk of harm. Similarly, personal feelings of being overwhelmed by the case do not justify disclosing client information, as counselors are trained to seek supervision or support without compromising client confidentiality. Lastly, when a client misses multiple sessions, it may indicate the need for follow-up or intervention but does not inherently involve a risk that would necessitate breaching confidentiality. Thus, the correct context for breaching confidentiality centers around the need to protect individuals from harm.