Therefore, the first time a colleague spoke about a client in an inappropriate way, I would probably remain silent and standoffish as a way of expressing disapproval. I would avoid eye contact during the conversation and change the subject immediately to discourage a continuation of the topic. Hopefully the colleague would get the hint.
If the other counselor did not get the hint and again referred to his students at inappropriate times, then I would say something to him or her directly. In the most respectful way possible, avoiding insults and accusations, I would tell the colleague that I really didn't think it was appropriate for the divulgence of clients' secrets. I would state clearly that the behavior made me uncomfortable, to personalize the issue and to avoid sounding didactic. I would ask that he or she please refrain from gossiping about clients and remind him or her of the responsibilities of our profession....
I would probably not report the colleague to school administrators unless the behavior persisted or grew out of control. I would also refrain from covertly alerting our profession's union or organization because I do not feel such a step would be necessary or warranted in this case. I do believe that speaking to the counselor in a direct way would show that the behavior was socially and professionally inappropriate and I do believe that when confronted the counselor might refrain from such behavior in the future. Obviously the colleague does enjoy the profession otherwise he or she would not have taken the trouble to go to college and earn a degree.
