Title: Confidentiality Dilemma: A Case Study in Counseling Ethics

Case Description: Sarah, a counseling student in her final year of graduate studies, is interning at a community mental health center. As part of her internship, she provides counseling services to individuals with various mental health concerns. One day, Sarah encounters a significant ethical dilemma that tests her understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Case Scenario: Sarah's regular client, Mark, a 38-year-old married man, has been attending counseling sessions for the past three months to address his ongoing marital conflicts. During their sessions, Mark confides in Sarah about his extramarital affair. He expresses deep remorse and guilt for his actions and seeks guidance on how to address the situation with his spouse.

Sarah, aware of the ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality, has emphasized to Mark the importance of maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of their sessions. However, she also recognizes that the information Mark has shared might have significant consequences for his spouse, who is unknowingly involved in his infidelity.

Sarah feels conflicted about how to proceed. On one hand, she believes it is essential to respect Mark's confidentiality and trust by keeping the affair undisclosed. On the other hand, she worries about the potential harm caused to Mark's spouse and the ethical obligation to uphold the well-being of all parties involved.

Ethical Dilemma: about the potential harm that could come to Mark's spouse, both emotionally and potentially physically, if the affair is not disclosed. This is a complex ethical dilemma that many counselors face

ACA Code of Ethics:

TCA Code of Ethics:

Reflection: