When Is It OK to Violate Confidentiality?
Gossiping with or about clients is always unethical. But there are limited scenarios where it is legally OK to violate confidentiality.
Laura Allen
Laura Allen has been a licensed massage therapist since 1999 and an approved provider of continuing education since 2000. She is the author of Nina McIntosh's The Educated Heart, now in its fifth edition, and numerous other books. Allen lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband and their two rescue dogs.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
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Right of Refusal: Just Say No
Clients and therapists alike have the right of refusal. Don't be afraid to use it.
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Personal Questions
Avoid asking personal questions that aren't relevant to the work you're doing, and avoid answering invasive questions about your personal life by turning the focus back to the client.
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Want to Assist After a Disaster?
Coordinate with emergency officials before heading to a disaster area with the intention to help.
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Dismissing a Client
Clients who repeatedly take advantage of you and disrespect your boundaries should be dismissed.
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Communication Challenges in the Treatment Room
Seek out one of many available solutions when language or communication barriers are an issue.