ABSTRACT
The scholarly literature on types of therapeutic self-disclosure (TSD) informs the research-informed practitioner that clients are likely to be impacted differently by what is disclosed via nonverbal content, such as the therapist’s race, gender, body language, religious insignia, pregnancy, wedding ring, or sexual orientation, as well as more direct and verbal forms of TSD including historical content or real-time feelings (i.e., self-involving disclosures). A practitioner’s reflection on these variables, in and of itself, is discussed as an exercise in TSD training. Research findings offer some extent of support for both historical content and self-involving disclosures, although research on both client and therapist perspectives suggests that self-involving disclosures are more often helpful and to a greater extent. However, such disclosures are also more difficult to put forth with appropriate timing, relevance, delivery, and impact. Reflective exercises, consideration of the scholarly research, and increased supervisory attention (as discussed in the next chapter of this text) may be helpful in this regard.
