I believe that everyone encounters periods in their lives when they can use the guidance and support of an empathic therapist. When I work with clients I am respectful of where they are in their lives, and I strive to provide them with the insight, tools and skills they need to move forward effectively and productively. The basis of the client-therapist relationship is confidentiality. It's important for a client to feel safe within the four walls of my therapy office when talking about very personal issues. Clients can expect me to respect their confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, and to be honest with them about my policies and procedures so that there are no surprises. For example, at the outset of therapy I explain to clients that there is one exception to confidentiality, and that is where I perceive there to be child abuse. In those cases, I am mandated by law to report the situation to authorities.