Mental Moment-Confidentiality
I would say that my private practice is closer to coaching than it is to psychology. I would also say that, although ethical, in some ways my work with clients is non-traditional. The one area of my work that remains sacred is confidentiality.
Stories of breaching confidentiality
It seems that no matter where I turn there are instances of practitioners working in sports psychology that are breaking confidentiality. Wasn’t so and so the sports psychologist who worked with…at….to win the title. I never engage in these conversations but I also can’t talk specifically about the great work I am doing.
I have been hearing these kind of stories over and over lately. So what’s the problem if the individual or team talks about working with a mental training practitioner? They can talk about it but in my mind the practitioner shouldn’t; ever.
Once the lines of confidentiality are broken where are the boundaries? If my client talks about me in the media it is their prerogative but as a practitioner if I respond to that where does it stop? Can I divulge any/all information? If I get a clients permission to tell their story is that OK?
Why confidentiality should remain sacred
In my mind it is not OK to ever tell a clients story even if they give permission. It is not my story to tell. My contract explicitly states that I will not break confidentiality unless my client is going to harm themselves or someone else (this is not the exact language and these are not the ‘formal’ exceptions).
To break confidentiality means I break trust and respect with my client(s). This breach erodes our working relationship and I end up with little if any relationship with them or the wrong kind of relationship.
Here is how it unconsciously plays out for a client: if I am talking to the media about agreed upon XYZ then what else am I sharing about my clients and with whom?
Why does confidentiality get broken
I cannot answer this question but can supposition that its for selfish reasons. My work is for my clients which is why I respect their privacy. The field of psychology is tough. There is not a lot of notoriety. I say not a lot because if you do a good job that notoriety comes from clients success. I am even fortunate enough to have clients who express their gratitude. It’s not necessary but very nice.
I was trained as a clinical psychologist and in sports psychology and neither program condoned breaching confidentiality. In fact I am pretty sure it’s illegal and frowned upon.
Just know that your secrets are safe with me!
Dr. Michelle
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