Confidentiality in Biblical Counseling
by Bryan Carlson
Confidentiality plays a crucial role in biblical counseling as it helps to establish trust between the counselor and the counselee and provides a safe space for the counselee to share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Confidentiality allows the counselee to feel comfortable opening up about sensitive and personal issues, knowing that the information they share will not be disclosed to others except under specific exceptions. Proverbs 20:19 reminds us to “not associate with a gossip” and Proverbs 16:28 says “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” “I am glad to keep confidence in the way that the Bible instructs me. That means, of course, I shall never involve others unless God requires me to do so” (Adams 32). It is critical to set the expectations up front, as the counseling is beginning. Instead of promising strict confidentiality, we promise “informed consent.” This can be done through the intake form and in conversation in the first session, and in previous sessions if necessary. (Faith notes 47-50; Roy 20-23)
We should make the following commitments to confidentiality: Firstly, we must commit to not gossip, as Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." This means not sharing information with those who are not part of the problem or the solution. Secondly, we have permission to seek advice from others for wisdom. We should also communicate with authorities that we are in submission to, as Hebrews 13:17 says, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account." This can include: elders in the Church, government authorities, a wife’s husband, or a counselee’s boss (in the case a sin has been committed against the workplace). Thirdly, we should only share information that is relevant to solving the problem. We must also commit to clear communication, giving the counselee a chance to communicate first and telling them of our intention to communicate with anyone else. We should generally get written permission from the counselee before communicating with others outside of the local church leadership. Fourthly, we must instruct our counselees in the areas of problem-solving, glorifying Christ, and growing to be like Him. Finally, a Biblical counselor must commit to not keeping secrets but explaining that there are times when they may need to share. If the counselee is unwilling to agree, the counselor should not proceed with counseling. (Faith notes 47-50; Roy 20-23)
Biblical and practical considerations can limit confidentiality in counseling. Firstly, confidentiality can be limited when the state righteously requires it (Romans 13:1-5), such as in cases of abuse and other crimes against the state and people. Secondly, confidentiality can be limited when there is a danger to another person or the counselee, such as in cases of suicidal threats. Thirdly, confidentiality can be limited when the counselee is a minor and the parents need to be informed, as parents have a responsibility to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Finally, confidentiality can be limited when the counselee is unrepentant in their sin and is not responding to the counseling process, in which case the issue may need to be addressed through church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17).
A Biblical counselor has the responsibility to report to civil authorities in some situations and should always report as the law requires. We must know the laws of our state and follow them. Romans 13:1 tell us, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Here is ACBC’s Standards of Conduct:
“Biblical counselors work to honor all biblically-instituted authorities and assist their counselees to do the same…Biblical counselors must help their counselees submit to the authority of the state as it is discharged righteously. God has provided government as a blessing for all people in order to preserve order and righteousness. When this authority is discharged righteously and in keeping with God’s law all people benefit from it. Wherever possible, biblical counselors work to obey the laws of the legal jurisdictions in which they serve and urge their counselees to do the same” (Faith notes 49).
As a matter of cooperation with authorities in investigations, counselors should act within the degree required by the law, as well as comply with the requests of the local church, and act according to one's own conscience in a way that pleases Christ. Such cooperation could include the surrender of evidence, such as emails, notes, or recordings, and could extend to testimony in both a state and church court (Faith notes 50).
Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 20-23.
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 47-50.
Jay Adams, Handbook of Church Discipline, 30-32.
