The Mirrored Walls of Therapy

Session Description: Self-disclosure in therapeutic settings has long been a controversial topic amongst therapists. Through research, it has become clear that, when used incorrectly, self-disclosure by the therapist causes harm and is detrimental to the client and his or her care. However, many studies also endorse the benefits of a therapist utilizing self-disclosure effectively and appropriately, including stronger rapport, lessening resistance, and client satisfaction with the therapeutic experience. However, what does a therapist do when he or she is unsure of the result a self-disclosure may have on a client or when self-disclosure directly impacts the therapist, positively or negatively? This can take numerous forms, external or internal, and can present as a struggle for the therapist. This session will focus on the discussion of when and how a therapist can use self-disclosure to grow as a therapist and, in turn, a human being. By identifying the different types of self-disclosure (deliberate, accidental, and unavoidable self-disclosure), therapists will be afforded the opportunity to identify which self-disclosure may have a stronger impact on the client as well as a strong impact on the self in session. Many training sessions focus on the client's response to self-disclosure. By contrast, this session will focus on the therapist's external and internal response to each type of self-disclosure made. By defining self-disclosure and allowing for interactive case-based training, therapists will learn to identify appropriate situations in which to disclose and learn the skill of quick decision-making to avoid dangerous self-disclosure moments.