Which phase includes confidentiality and self-disclosure?

• A. Orientation Phase
• B. Working Phase
• C. Termination Phase
• D. Post-Therapy Phase

Answer: (A)

Setting up trust and boundaries at the outset of therapy is what the Orientation Phase handles. In this phase, the therapist clearly explains confidentiality and its limits, so you know how your information will be protected and under what circumstances disclosure might be required. Self-disclosure by the therapist is introduced here—but it’s careful and purposeful, used to build rapport and model openness while maintaining professional boundaries. As therapy progresses, the focus shifts to working on the presenting issues, then to termination and planning for the future, with confidentiality remaining important but not the defining feature of those later phases. By establishing the rules and the therapeutic frame at the beginning, the Orientation Phase best encompasses both confidentiality and initial self-disclosure.