In the context of therapy, what does client privilege mean?

Client privilege refers to the legal and ethical right of clients to control what information about them is shared during therapy sessions. This concept is based on the notion that a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential for effective therapy, and that clients must feel secure in sharing personal thoughts and feelings without fear of disclosure.

By allowing clients to dictate the boundaries of their shared information, privilege empowers them and fosters a sense of autonomy and safety in the therapeutic environment. It is crucial for therapists to understand the limits of confidentiality and inform clients about how the information may be used or shared, thereby upholding ethical standards in professional practice. This right to control information is typically enshrined in professional codes of ethics and in laws pertaining to mental health services, reinforcing the importance of respecting clients' autonomy in making decisions about their own personal data.