what are the issues of confidentiality within the counselling relationship?

Answer 1

If you are over 18, a counselor cannot breach confidentiality unless:

you say you are going to hurt or kill yourself or someone else
(in the case of someone else, it usually has to be fairly specific, not just if you're angry and say "I feel like hurting someone". This may get you hospitalized if the counselor really feels you will hurt someone, but confidentiality would not be breached.)
Also, just because you say this does not mean that the counselor will automatically breach confidentialilty. Thay may try to work with you on the issue first.

you say that a child, elderly person, disabled person, etc. is being abused, neglected, or in serious danger

the counselor receives a supoena or court order for the information in your file

That's pretty much it, confidentiality is taken pretty seriously (or at least it should be) so it is only breached in the most serious cases

Answer 2

unless you present an imminent danger of physical harm to either yourself or to another person, a counselor is not allowed to break the confidential relationship UNLESS you give permission for the counselor to do so

If you are abusing a child, or if you know a child is being abused and you know who is abusing the child, then the therapist will typically have to disclose this information as well. in some areas, if you have been abused and disclose this information and the name/identity of the abuser, this information will also have to be disclosed

If a counselor is called into court to testify, they may have to do that. in general, this will only deal with a narrow range of questions and isn't applicable to many patients.

Finally, if you're court-ordered into therapy, confidentiality may be greatly reduced

Answer 3

generally, (legally, as well) not unless you threaten to kill yourself or someone else will they alert someone. Sometimes they will if you talk about harming yourself, but it depends on the individual. Ask him/her yourself about confidentiality policies.