What do ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality require counselors NOT to do?

Ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality emphasize the importance of protecting client information. Counselors are required to keep client information private and only disclose it under specific circumstances, such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or when legally mandated.

The guideline that prohibits the disclosure of client information without appropriate cause is pivotal in maintaining the trust necessary for an effective counseling relationship. Maintaining confidentiality assures clients that their personal disclosures will remain protected, fostering an environment where they can express themselves openly and honestly.

In contrast, the other options present circumstances where confidentiality might be reasonably maintained or even necessary for effective practice. For instance, allowing clerical assistants to handle confidential information can be appropriate, provided there are safeguards in place. Consulting with experts or peers using client records can be ethical as long as confidentiality is preserved, and using disguised identities in teaching case studies is a common practice meant to protect the identity of clients while still providing educational insights.