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I’ve Got A Secret: Should Counseling Always Remain Confidential?

Orginally published on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 3:09 PM
by Todd Rhoades

Have you ever had to make a decision as to whether to keep something said in the counseling room private? Check out this story from WHIO.TV about a pastor who heard the confession of a murder...

A local pastor called police and said a teenager has just confessed to a slaying in Dayton. The pastor is from a church on Salem Avenue in Dayton.

According to police, the pastor took the boy’s confession and then called police. Officers arrived at the church and took the teen into custody.

Officers went to a home on West Hillcrest Avenue, where the boy lives. Inside a bedroom in the house, detectives found the body of an adult female.

A short time later, family and friend showed up to try to figure out what happened. Residents who live nearby said they were surprised at the boy’s alleged confession.

Police confirmed that the boy made a confession to his pastor on Tuesday morning.

At this time, there is no word on a motive. The death remains under investigation.

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FOR DISCUSSION: When do you keep counselling totally confidential? This case seems obvious to me… a crime has been committed and needs to be reported. How about when no crime, but a sin is involved? Let’s say someone comes to you to admit an affair; but won’t tell their spouse. Do you keep that confidential, or do you go to the spouse?

What would you do? And have you ever needed guidance in what to keep confidential or not?

(BTW, I don’t remember anything in the Bible about counseling confidentiality)…

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TRACKBACKS: (0) There are 4 Comments:

Posted by Brian La Croix

Monday, June 05, 2006 at 10:12 AM

Whoa - that’s a toughie.

I’m under the impression that clergy discussions are “protected” just like attorney consultations, but I may be mistaken.

Aside from that, however, I’m not sure how I would handle the situation above. I think I would probably do the same as the pastor above, because a life was taken, and others might be taken if I did nothing.

When a crime has been committed, should we talk? I don’t know - but I think in this case, I probably would.

I’m glad that I’m not this pastor - his heart and gut must be wrenching over this.

Brian
Posted by Brian La Croix

Monday, June 05, 2006 at 8:06 PM

He may very well be open to a lawsuit. But he may also be preventing another murder.

I think it would be worth it to me.

Again, I’ve never been in that situation, and hope I never am. It’s easy for me to talk about this, being completely outside the situation.

Brian
Posted by Brian

Wednesday, June 07, 2006 at 3:58 PM

I got this from a thread about pastoral subpoenas at Pastors.com (used by permission of the poster):

“At least in Iowa, the confidentiality thing only applies if:

- the person is penitent and seeking spiritual guidance for making things right.
- there is absolutely NO ONE else present (and that includes a sleeping newborn).
- there is no suggestion whatseover that anyone is in physical danger.”

That last point is kinda the zinger for me. In the case cited here at MMI, someone was obviously hurt, and the very real possibility existed for others to be hurt or killed.

My question is - did he call the police while the guy was in the office? That would open up a threat of violence agains the pastor, in my mind.

Brian

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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.