Trust is very important in the counseling process. As such, counseling is a confidential and safe environment. Confidentiality exists between the counselor and the client. This means that what you say in the counseling room stays between you and your counselor. Only if you give written permission for me as your counselor to release information to an identified third party will information be disclosed.

However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality. If any of these situations arise, I do my very best to notify you first before releasing any of your information that was disclosed in counseling.

1. If there is threat or intent to harm self or others, the counselor must ensure that the client or the intended victim are safe. This may mean notifying police.
2. If there is suspicion of child abuse, dependant adult or elder abuse, the counselor is mandated by law to report the suspected abuse to the proper authorities.
3. If there is a subpoena for a clients records, certain records must be sent to court.