|
10. Is therapy confidential? Not surprisingly, this is a question that Deaf clients often ask. Due to the closely interwoven social and professional relationships in our community, Deaf clients are much more likely than hearing clients to bump into their therapist outside of the therapy office. A client and therapist might have children who attend the same school or a client's best friend might also be a friend of the therapist. You and your therapist may want to discuss how you would like to handle public encounters, if and when they occur. Some clients prefer not to acknowledge the therapist at all, while others are comfortable talking with the therapist about non-therapy topics. Your therapist will respect your wishes and take great care to maintain confidentiality about the therapeutic relationship. All members of the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require therapists to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Maryland state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/therapist relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a therapist feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be disclosed such as in a court case. Whenever possible, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed. |