What are the best ways to maintain confidentiality when discussing sensitive topics with a peer?

1 Know the boundaries

Before you start a peer support conversation, it is important to clarify the boundaries and expectations of confidentiality with your peer. Explain what confidentiality means, why it is important, and what are the limits and exceptions to it. For example, you might have to disclose some information if there is a risk of harm to yourself, your peer, or others, or if you are required by law or policy to do so. Ask your peer what they are comfortable sharing, and what they prefer to keep private. Respect their choices and preferences, and do not pressure them to disclose more than they want to. Also, let them know how you will store, protect, and dispose of any records or notes you might take during or after the conversation.

2 Use discretion

When you are discussing sensitive topics with a peer, use discretion and common sense to avoid exposing their information to others who are not involved in the peer support relationship. Choose a private and quiet place to talk, where you will not be overheard or interrupted. If you are using phone, email, or online platforms, make sure they are secure and encrypted, and that you have your peer's consent to use them. Do not leave any messages or documents where others can access them, and delete or shred them when they are no longer needed. If you need to refer to your peer in other contexts, such as supervision, training, or reporting, use a pseudonym or a code name, and do not reveal any identifying or unnecessary details.

3 Seek support

Maintaining confidentiality does not mean that you have to deal with everything on your own. Peer support can be emotionally demanding and stressful, especially when you are dealing with sensitive topics that might trigger your own issues or experiences. You might also face ethical dilemmas or conflicts that challenge your confidentiality obligations. In these cases, it is helpful to seek support from other sources, such as your supervisor, mentor, colleague, or therapist. However, when you do so, make sure you respect your peer's confidentiality as much as possible. Only share what is relevant and necessary for your own support, and do not disclose any information that could identify your peer or harm them. Ask for permission from your peer if you need to share something specific or sensitive, and explain why and how you will do it.

4 Manage mistakes

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might make a mistake or encounter a situation that compromises or breaches your peer's confidentiality. For example, if you accidentally mention their name or issue to someone else, or you lose or leak some of their information, do not panic or ignore it. Instead, take responsibility and inform your peer as soon as possible, apologizing for the mistake. Explain what happened, how it happened, and what the possible consequences are. Discuss with your peer what actions you will take to remedy the situation and what they want you to do. Additionally, report the incident to your supervisor or organization and follow their policies and procedures. Finally, learn from the mistake and take measures to prevent it from happening again.

5 Review and revise

Confidentiality is not a one-time agreement, but an ongoing process that requires constant review and revision. As your peer support relationship evolves, so might your peer's needs, preferences, and goals. Therefore, it is important to check in with your peer regularly, and ask them how they feel about the confidentiality of your conversations. Do they have any concerns or questions? Do they want to change or update anything? Do they need more or less information from you? Are they satisfied with the level of trust and safety in the relationship? By reviewing and revising the confidentiality boundaries and expectations, you can ensure that you are meeting your peer's needs and respecting their rights.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?