Which of the following actions could be considered a breach of confidentiality?

Sharing client information without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality because confidentiality is a foundational ethical principle in psychology. It encompasses the obligation of psychologists to respect the privacy of their clients by not disclosing any personal information without the explicit permission of the client, except in certain legally mandated situations, such as if there is a risk of harm to self or others.

The act of sharing information without consent undermines the trust that clients place in psychotherapists, which is critical for effective therapy. It is essential that clients feel safe to disclose sensitive information, which can only happen if they are assured that their confidentiality will be protected.

In contrast, documenting therapy sessions in logs and consulting with supervisors about cases are actions typically permissible within the context of confidentiality. These practices usually occur within a professional setting and often involve furthering the treatment of the client while adhering to legal and ethical standards. Using client data for training purposes, when done appropriately, typically requires de-identification of the data or obtaining consent from the client, ensuring that their personal information remains protected.