Elders meet Scriptural requirements before being 'appointed
by holy spirit.' Knowing this will strengthen your confidence
in them. What you discuss with an elder will remain strictly
confidential. Being trustworthy is one of his qualifications.
(The Watchtower, March 1, 1997, p. 28)"Note: Reports have been received where elders have revealed
confidential matters to their wives or others in the congregation."
(Pay Attention 1977 p.65)"Sadly, in recent times it has been necessary to disfellowship
tens of thousands of unrepentant wrongdoers each year.
Prominent elders have been included among them."
(Proclaimers, WTBTS 1993, p. 187)
I'd advise every Witness to think twice before confessing ANYTHING to a Witness elder. Your information is not safe according to the Society.
According to the Society the elders are untrained volunteers. Part of the lack of training must be confidentiality with sensitive information.