When a counselor breaches confidentiality for a reason that does not fit the limits of confidentiality, it undermines the trust and confidence that the clients have in the counselor. In the scripture, Proverbs 21:23 - NKJV, "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Confidentiality can concern the counselor and clients in a session with multiple people present. Most counselors will remind the attending clients at each session of the importance of confidentiality. The breach of confidentiality could prevent one of the members from being open and trusting. This could result in a member or several members moving forward toward healing.

When clients are in a high emotional state, they are more likely to breach confidentiality. When emotions are high within families and couples' sessions, it is easy for one family member to get upset with another family member. In hopes of reducing their own emotions, the highly charged family member could tell a parent or close friend what was discussed in counseling. Another breach of confidentiality could happen when the family members are in an argument, and one of the family members tells an outside person's secrets to prove their point. Proverbs 25:9-NLT," When arguing with your neighbor, don't betray another person's secret."

There is a positive side to meeting with multiple clients, especially in family and couple counseling. There are many times that I have met with a couple, and I could completely see one of the partner's points on the issue until the other partner shared their side of the issue. I feel this scripture is true for couples in counseling which is Proverbs 18:17-NLV "He who tells his story first makes people think he is right, until the other comes to test him.

How will your model validation, openness, honesty, and trust in family sessions?