To Self-disclose Or To Not – That Is Your Therapist’s Question
Written by: Katie Pancione, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Therapists self-disclosing personal facts about themselves is a sensitive issue in the counseling community. The overall ethical requirement for all mental health counselors is to promote the welfare of our clients. The methods in which we do this vary across a broad spectrum, from conversational interventions to play and art therapies to more somatic techniques. Both the therapist and the client must feel a connection and trust to have a successful and productive relationship. It is up to the client what techniques they think are the most useful and find the right counselor to cater to their needs.
Clients cannot control if the therapist chooses to disclose facts about themselves. Some professionals believe that therapists should not disclose any personal information, as it takes away from the client’s session by taking the focus off them. Self-disclosure can hinder the progress of the therapeutic goals set between the client and the therapist if time spent in the session is not working towards it. Other clinicians believe that creating a more intimate bond where the client knows more about the person helping them with mental health can have significant benefits.
A golden rule of thumb is for the therapist to ask themselves, is what am I about to say going to help the client in their progress? The answer can vary based on the client, the therapeutic goals, and the techniques used. The truth is that it is still up to the client.
A good therapist will understand the needs of the client. Do they require a bonded feeling between themselves and the therapist? Are they looking to feel understood by way of self-disclosure? Would it help them to know specific facts about their therapist? The answers will vary from client to client as well. It cannot be a one size fits all model.
Clients may also ask their therapists to disclose as well. It is natural to want to answer a question when asked, but therapists still need to be cognizant of the benefit it may or may not provide to the client. When in doubt, ask them why it matters if they know? Finding out why a client is asking the therapist to self-disclose may paint a better picture of what they need to focus on, even if it creates a more trusting environment.
Ultimately, it is up to the therapist to self-disclose based on their clients' needs. As long as they are within ethical boundaries, there is no issue with giving personal details to clients.
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Katie Pancione, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Katie Pancione spent well over a decade in corporate America before concluding that she wanted something more personally meaningful in life, helping others. While still working her high-powered executive position, she took her undergraduate degree in psychology and continued her education by receiving a Master of Arts in Counseling. At this point she departed her corporate career and started her own counseling practice, NOVA Mental Health Counseling. Katie focuses on helping others via tele-health work through grief, loss, anxiety, and the many overwhelming life transitions that many individuals face across their life span.
