What is in conflict if a client reveals an intention to harm a specific person during a counseling session?

When a client reveals an intention to harm a specific person during a counseling session, the primary conflict arises between the duty to warn and confidentiality. The duty to warn is a legal and ethical obligation for clinicians to take reasonable steps to protect individuals who are at risk of harm due to a client's intentions. This typically requires informing the potential victim and may involve notifying law enforcement or relevant authorities.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapist-client relationship, fostering trust and encouraging clients to be open during sessions. However, when a serious threat to an identifiable individual emerges, prioritizing safety and preventing harm takes precedence over maintaining confidentiality. This necessitates that the counselor may breach confidentiality to fulfill their duty to warn.

In this scenario, the ethical responsibility to protect life outweighs the obligation to keep the client's disclosure private. Counselors must navigate this dilemma carefully, balancing their roles as protectors of their clients and others who might be at risk, while also adhering to ethical standards and legal mandates.