What approach should a counselor take if asked to disclose information in court that may harm a student?

The approach of requesting that disclosure not be required is grounded in the ethical obligation to protect the well-being of the student. Counselors adhere to confidentiality as a core principle, and when faced with a situation where disclosing information could harm a student, they have the responsibility to advocate for the student's best interests.

By requesting that the court not require the disclosure, the counselor is actively trying to safeguard the student's rights and emotional health. This approach reflects an understanding of the potential negative consequences that disclosure could have on the student's life, including the impact on their trust in the counseling relationship.

This option aligns well with the ASCA Ethical Standards, which stress the importance of confidentiality and the counselor's duty to protect their students from harm. Counselors can often point to legal provisions regarding confidentiality in counseling relationships and argue against disclosures that might compromise a student’s safety or welfare.