National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What common ethical issue often arises in counseling and psychotherapy?

1. Informed consent

2. Confidentiality

3. Client satisfaction

4. Professional boundaries

The correct answer is: Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical principle in counseling and psychotherapy that serves to protect the privacy of clients. It involves keeping the information shared by clients during therapy sessions secure and only disclosing that information when given explicit consent or when there are legal obligations, such as in cases of harm to self or others. Maintaining confidentiality helps to foster a safe environment where clients feel comfortable sharing personal and sensitive information. When clients know that their disclosures will be kept confidential, they are more likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process. Violations of confidentiality can lead to a breach of trust, which may not only harm the client-therapist relationship but can also have serious repercussions for the client’s well-being and progress in therapy. Thus, it stands out as a common ethical issue that practitioners must navigate carefully to uphold the integrity of the counseling profession.