What is a key confidentiality focus in group therapy?

• A. Breaches should be ignored.
• B. Confidentiality applies only to the individual client, not the group.
• C. Maintain group confidentiality to the extent possible, establish guidelines, address breaches, and manage confidentiality risks among members.
• D. Disclosing all group discussions to external parties is acceptable.

Answer: (C)

In group therapy, confidentiality is a shared responsibility that requires a clear, negotiated framework. The best practice is to maintain group confidentiality to the extent possible by establishing guidelines or a confidentiality contract, discussing the limits and risks, and having a plan to address any breaches if they occur. This approach creates structure, builds trust among members, and helps everyone feel safer to share, while also outlining how to handle potential breaches and the safety or legal limits that may require disclosure. Ignoring breaches undermines safety and trust, confidentiality cannot be treated as only an individual matter in a group, and disclosing all group discussions to outsiders violates fundamental confidentiality principles.