Before allowing anyone to review counseling sessions, what must counselors obtain?

Counselors must obtain permission from the client before allowing anyone to review counseling sessions to ensure that the client's autonomy and confidentiality are respected. This aligns with the ethical principle of informed consent, which requires counselors to communicate the purpose, potential risks, and benefits of sharing session information. By obtaining explicit permission, counselors foster trust in the counselor-client relationship and adhere to ethical guidelines that prioritize client welfare and confidentiality.

The other options do not adequately capture the ethical requirement. Financial consent refers to the client's agreement about payment, which is unrelated to the sharing of session information. A general waiver might suggest a broad permission but does not specifically address the informed consent aspect that is necessary when discussing sensitive counseling details. Oral consent may not provide the same level of formality and documentation as written consent, which can be important in maintaining a clear record of the client's agreement.