What is one potential consequence of violating confidentiality?

Violating confidentiality can lead to significant legal repercussions and the potential loss of a therapist's license. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in therapeutic practice, ensuring that clients can trust their therapists with sensitive information without fear that it will be disclosed to others. When a therapist breaches that trust, it not only harms the client-therapist relationship but also can trigger legal actions from the client, such as lawsuits for damages or complaints made to licensing boards. Such complaints can lead to disciplinary actions, including the possibility of losing one's license to practice. Therefore, maintaining confidentiality is critical for both ethical practice and legal protection.

The other options do not accurately reflect the outcomes of violating confidentiality. For instance, improved trust or a stronger therapeutic alliance is unlikely if a therapist breaches confidentiality, as clients may feel betrayed and unsafe. Also, an opportunity for open communication with family members does not justify breaking confidentiality and often requires the client's consent.