Group Psychotherapy: Privileged Communication and Confidentiality

Abstract

Do privileged communication and confidentiality prevail in group psychotherapy? This paper, based on interviews of several group therapists and the interview of a group, indicates that therapists are far more concerned about confidentiality than are members of the group. Be that as it may, therapists fear that one celebrated case, should it arise, would create a great deal of anxiety about group therapy. There are circumstances and pressures that tilt toward the maintenance of confidentiality, but if group therapists have doubts, can the group members long be without doubt themselves?