1. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Confidentiality and Boundaries AIM:- To discuss the complexity of confidentiality in relation to counselling and the need for boundaries To practice counselling skills in triads

2. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk OBJECTIVES:- Discuss the term ‘confidentiality’ and where it might be applied Recognise the importance of confidentiality in a counselling context Identify where there might be limitations in confidentiality Identify the need for boundaries Demonstrate counselling skills learned so far

3. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Confidentiality in counselling Confidentiality is fundamentally important due to the intimate nature of the relationship The Counselling relationship is based on trust

4. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk There are some circumstances where client confidentiality cannot be kept Make this clear from the outset Inform or negotiate with client prior to giving information to another person If possible, seek permission from the client

5. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Possible circumstances are:- If it is the policy of some agencies to keep written record centrally Supervision Referral eg GP, psychiatrist, mental health services, social services etc Client intention to harm themselves or commit suicide (at the counsellors discretion) If the client discloses intention to harm another Disclosures of acts of terrorism / drug trafficking By order of civil / criminal court

6. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Under such circumstances efforts will be made to minimise information disclosed by concealing client’s identity if possible. Eg. supervision, keeping reports locked up and always informing the client before any disclosure is made.

7. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Exercise In four small groups discuss and debate the exercise provided.

8. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Boundaries What do we mean by boundaries? Boundaries can often help us with issues of confidentiality in that we can inform our clients prior to the onset of counselling what the limits on offer might be. This makes it very clear about what is confidential and what is not ‘thus providing a boundary’

9. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk What other boundaries may a counsellor need to consider ? Time Physical space Information Intimacy Social roles

10. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk Further reading COUNSELLING SKILLS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS by Philip Burnard LEGAL ISSUES IN COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY by Peter Jenkins AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING by John Mcleod

11. NGfL CYMRU GCaD www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk AIM:- To discuss the complexity of confidentiality in relation to counselling and the need for boundaries OBJECTIVES:- Discuss the term ‘confidentiality’ and where it might be applied Recognise the importance of confidentiality in a counselling context Identify where there might be limitations in confidentiality Identify the need for boundaries