Articles & Advice

Confidentiality Statement

8 Principles Regarding Confidentiality
1. We believe that confidential counseling benefits the effectiveness of counseling and should be the norm. Therefore, we prioritize guarding the counseling relationship through practicing confidentiality, refraining from carelessly discussing cases and only discussing with those whom consent has been given (Eph. 4:29; Ps. 101:5; Prov. 26:20).
2. We embrace the principle of “do no harm” and we seek to honor confidentiality while also actively protecting the vulnerable and confronting offenders (Prov. 25:9-13; Matt. 7:12; Rom. 12:9-13; 1 Pet. 2:16-17).
3. We unapologetically break confidentiality to report child abuse to the full extent required by law (Mark 12:17; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Rom. 13:1-7).
4. We commit to breaking confidentiality when suicidal, homicidal, or other violent intent is discovered during the counseling session, because of our commitment to do no harm (Rom. 15:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:14).
5. We have a means of keeping both paper and digital files safe and secure. Furthermore, no church leader, including pastors, will be granted access to these files without the authorization of the counselee. Any supervising pastors will be detailed in the informed consent (1 Cor. 14:40; 2 Cor. 12:20).
6. We seek the authorization of counselees to cooperate with legitimate and official court requests and to “do no harm” in compliance (Prov. 19:9; Ex. 23:1; Deut. 19:16-20).
7. We hold Scripture as our authority for our principles of operation and we recognize the local church as the governing body for the care of God’s people.
8. We will make every effort to demonstrate the benefits of caring beyond the limits of blanket confidentiality.