Whatever you say in therapy stays in treatment. However, there are times when a therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality:
Harm to self or others. If a therapist believes that you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else, We will call a family member, police, or ambulance to ensure safety.
A child under the age of 16 or an older adult in care is in danger. In these cases, We will call family and Children’s Services or the police.
Your files are subpoenaed by the court or by the College of Registered Psychotherapists.
A client experienced a health emergency during a session. In this case, We would provide medical staff only with necessary information. No information? About why a client is in therapy will be shared.
Some therapists (myself included) carry confidentiality into the community. I inform clients that if I see them in the community, I will not say hello. I don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to explain how they know me. I am always open to speaking to clients outside of the office, but they get to make the first contact.