Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which of the following situations would NOT typically require a counselor to break confidentiality?

1. Child abuse

2. Threat to others

3. Suicidal ideation

4. Domestic violence

The correct answer is: Threat to others

In the context of counseling, confidentiality is a critical ethical principle that should be maintained to build trust between the counselor and the client. However, certain situations do warrant breaking confidentiality to ensure safety and well-being. Child abuse situations necessitate reporting to protect the welfare of minors. When there is evidence or suspicion of child abuse, counselors are mandated reporters and must communicate this information to the appropriate authorities. Threats to others involve situations where a client poses a significant risk of causing harm to another person. If a counselor assesses that a client has made credible threats towards someone else, it may require disclosure to prevent potential harm. Suicidal ideation is a crucial scenario as well. If a counselor believes that a client is at high risk of harming themselves, it might be necessary to breach confidentiality to ensure that the client receives immediate help and interventions that could save their life. Domestic violence is often a complex issue, but it can also be a situation where confidentiality may need to be broken, especially if there is immediate danger or a threat to a client’s safety. A counselor might need to inform authorities or take necessary steps to ensure the victim's protection. In contrast, there can be circumstances where clients express thoughts about suicidal ideation that are not immediate or