ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the therapist options in choosing from different rules of confidentiality when working with couples. Working with couples requires a different conceptual framework, and more options regarding confidentiality than working with an individual. The couple therapist has a choice of three rules of confidentiality. First, the therapist could suggest that if the couple is seen individually, all information obtained during those sessions or via any other form of communication will be maintained in confidence. Second, the therapist could suggest what some call three-way rule. Third, the therapist could suggest a rule of confidentially known as accountability with discretion. A couple had been stuck in their therapy for some time. The therapist suggested meeting with each partner individually and explained to them discretion with accountability as the guideline for confidentiality. This was the third option regarding rules of confidentiality with couples. Some couple therapists will refuse to split the couple to have individual sessions for theoretical and/or ethical reasons.
