Confidentiality

The Utmost Importance

Within the counselling and psychotherapy process, I adhere to the highest guidelines of professional and ethical conduct, as outlines by my college (the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario, CRPO).

This conduct includes guidelines regarding confidentiality. Confidentiality is defined as the client’s right to privacy, such that the psychotherapist has an ethical duty to protect their client's private communications. These guidelines are based on the Professional Practice Standards established by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (revised January 2024).

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance and an integral component of the counselling and psychotherapy services provided. All information discussed in sessions will be kept confidential with some exceptions: if the client requests release to a third party (e.g., medical doctor); or, the psychotherapists specific legal and ethical limits of confidentiality (see below under legal and ethical limits).

LEGAL AND ethical limits

Please note that the following are the specific legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. Disclosure is required by law:

1. If the client is in imminent danger of seriously hurting self or seriously harming another

2. If a child (under 16 years) or an elderly person (over 65 years) is at risk of abuse or neglect

3. If a file is subpoenaed by a court of law or reviewed by the CRPO (my regulatory body)

4. If a client has been sexually abused or harassed by a health professional, a report must be made to the appropriate college.