The ethical standards for therapists vary depending on their profession, location, and governing bodies. However, in most cases, therapists are bound by confidentiality and privacy rules that prohibit them from discussing specific details about their clients with others, including their colleagues or even friends and family.
The principle of client confidentiality is essential in therapy to create a safe and trusting environment for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences without fear of judgment or disclosure. Breaking confidentiality without the client's consent can seriously damage the therapeutic relationship and hinder the client's progress.
Therapists might discuss general therapeutic approaches, techniques, or ethical dilemmas with their peers in a de-identified and anonymized manner to seek supervision, consultation, or advice to improve their practice. But sharing identifiable information about specific clients without their explicit permission is generally considered unethical and a breach of professional boundaries.
If you have concerns about confidentiality or ethical practices of a therapist, it's essential to review the guidelines set by the specific profession's ethical code and licensing board in your area. If you believe a therapist has violated confidentiality or acted unethically, you may want to report the incident to the appropriate licensing board or professional association.