Which is a potential consequence of violating client confidentiality?

A potential consequence of violating client confidentiality is legal repercussions. In the field of psychology and counseling, maintaining confidentiality is a foundational ethical principle. Clients share personal and sensitive information with the expectation that it will remain private. When confidentiality is breached, it can lead to trust issues between the client and therapist, but importantly, it can also result in significant legal consequences for the professional involved.

Legal repercussions may include civil lawsuits filed by clients for damages, disciplinary action from professional licensing boards, or even criminal charges in serious cases where confidentiality violations involve mandatory reporting laws (such as instances of child abuse or threats of harm to oneself or others). This highlights the importance of adhering strictly to confidentiality protocols to protect both the client’s privacy and the professional’s legal standing.

The other choices reflect outcomes that are generally positive for a therapeutic relationship, but they do not apply in the case of a confidentiality violation. Improved therapeutic alliance, greater trust, and enhanced client engagement all stem from a safe and secure environment, which is compromised if client confidentiality is violated.