Which situations can one break confidentiality in counselling process ?

The moment one gets connected with the EQ.

According to the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct standard 4.05(b), “Psychologists disclose confidential information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose.”

only when the situation will risk the clients and society life. or in the case which is related to legal problems or when the client is comfortable to share his/her problem

in only case if guided has no objection and emergency cases  

What the client tells to social worker can not be through out of the agency it will be between both of them social worker and the client but when the confidentiality broke out then there will be client permission definitely..leaking out personal information of client without his/her permission can badly effect the counselling process as well as the social worker image.

 

The areas that confidentiality can be broken need to be clarified with clients in the first sessions. There are mainly three areas including: 1-when clients give permission to disclose certain information to the third parties such as employers,...2- there is serious risk issue , 3- court proceeding or legal authorities are involved.  

If the situation is dangerous or life risk for the client then break the confidentiality but with the permission of client.

Ducan you have indicated three important areas where confidentiality can be broken. The three areas named shared confidentiality, duty to warn and breaking confidentiality for legal purposes should be emphasized to trainee counselors and Social Work. In my work i have came across some junior counselors and Social workers  even experienced Social workers who believe in absolute confidentiality.    

This varies depending on jurisdiction and circumstances.  In general confidentiality should not be broken without first discussing it with the client.  The three standard occasions when it might come up are if there is a risk of harm to the client, if there is a risk of harm to others, or in connection with court proceedings. 

In all cases the counsellor has to make a judgement call, subject to the rules, regulations and laws that apply.  Sometimes it is helpful to get the client's permission to discuss the matter with your supervisor.

Breaking confidentiality is an extreme measure should never be broken except as a last resort.  It usually terminates the counselling relationship and always does harm to the client.   The question is whether not breaking confidentiality will do even more harm.