Scope and Limits of Confidentiality

Group services require some unique ethical considerations. For example, confidentiality presents a number of challenges when working with therapy groups. To be effective, therapy group members need to feel that the therapeutic environment is safe and supportive. Imagine how you might feel if you shared private information in a therapy session and later found out that the information was disclosed outside of the therapy group, or even posted on the Internet. Unfortunately, confidentiality in this form cannot be guaranteed. Savvy pre-group screening, however, may help to identify those who might be at risk for inappropriately disclosing information. A proper pre-group orientation might further help members understand the importance of confidentiality, provide examples of inappropriate disclosure, and explain how to maintain privacy, and the consequences of not doing so.