Importance Of Self Disclosure In Counselling

Ferdern (1961) states that individuals separate their internal experience from the external world through psychological boundaries. In addition, these boundaries allow an individual to maintain the distinction between oneself and others (Mahler, Pine, & Bergman, 1975). In the context of therapy boundaries between the therapist and client provide an environment that fosters safety and trust enabling exploration. This dynamic places mental health professionals in a position of power over the client (Simon, 1992). This power differential creates a responsibility to maintain appropriate, professional boundaries. The obligation to create and maintain these boundaries lays with therapist alone. When speaking about departures from commonly accepted

While some have very strong views for the capacity of self-disclosure to cause serious harm to their clients (Smith & Fitzpatrick, 1995). Others point out the difficulty inherent in evaluating the short and long term implications, since the effects of self-disclosure may change over time (Goldstein, 1994). Smith & Fitzpatrick (1995) pointing out it is important for clinicians to avoid seeking personal gratification from their clients. Along these lines many stress the necessity to clarify both the therapist and client’s motivations. Yet some suggest this is not an easy a task, Mendelsoha (1991) cautions that even seasoned professionals have a difficult time determining if their impulse to engage in unusual therapeutic measures is based on their own needs or if it is the correct empathic response. Goldstein (1994) points out when patient’s request for personal information becomes disruptive to the therapeutic process it can be an attempt to avoid exploring highly charged feelings and memories. Two consistent themes that emerge is several of the articles is the notion that it is the therapist’s obligation to guard against excessive disclosures that shift the focus away from the patient and that continual self-scrutiny is required for therapists to fully understand their

A principle put to paper over 2,000 years ago and credited to Hippocrates nonmaleficence has become the ethical foundation of any form of professional treatment in the modern age (Edelstein, 1943). Although boundary crossing always has risks I believe the capacity to do harm in this case hinges on the competence of the counselor. As I have read I have come to the conclusion intentional self-disclosure is an art that must be mastered. The wellbeing of the client is primary consideration, however within this context this includes considerations of timing, the developmental needs of the client, and the counselors ability to craft a disclosure that leaves no room to open additional doors. Although it may be counterintuitive disclosing ones orientation to someone who feels alone in their sexuality does have possible negative consequences. An emotionally vulnerable client who is struggling with being gay may develop an attraction to a therapist who shares their orientation and is the same sex. If the counselor is not attuned to this development the client could confuse the counselor’s disclosure with their ability or receptiveness to the attraction. A therapist who discloses but is not aware of an attraction that is developing meaning it