ABSTRACT
Ethical practice is one of the most important cornerstones of clinical work. Clients trust that we, the therapist, will not be abusive, manipulative or place our own concerns above those of the client. These trusts are implicit in the therapist-client relationship, but the impetus to ensure them must come from the therapist. One of the most dangerous forms of therapist malpractice is the misuse of power. The government, over a period of years, has developed legislation to enable clients to gain greater access to material held on record about them. This serves to reduce secrecy and facilitate openness. The tide of secrecy and paternalism that has dominated the medical professions has now started to turn, at least where the keeping of records and notes is concerned.
