What is recommended for therapists working with potentially dangerous clients?

Informing clients of confidentiality limits is crucial when working with potentially dangerous clients because it sets clear boundaries and expectations regarding confidentiality. This practice is essential for protecting both the therapist and the client. Therapists are ethically and legally obligated to inform clients that certain disclosures, particularly those related to safety concerns—such as intentions to harm themselves or others—may require them to breach confidentiality.

By communicating these limits proactively, therapists foster an environment of trust while ensuring that clients are aware of the circumstances under which confidentiality may not be maintained. This transparency allows clients to consider the implications of their disclosures and encourages honest communication during therapy sessions.

In contrast, maintaining strict confidentiality would not be appropriate in situations where a client poses a potential danger, as it could prevent the therapist from taking necessary actions to protect the client or others. Handling situations independently may lead to inadequate responses in crisis scenarios, ignoring the collaborative nature of therapy and the need for support systems. While documenting everything for personal records is good practice for a clinician, it does not address the immediate need to ensure client safety and uphold ethical standards regarding confidentiality.