ABSTRACT
Self-disclosure forms part of the reciprocal communication strategies, one of the two sets of stylistic strategies in DBT. The two styles of communication, reciprocal and irreverent, dialectically oppose each other, with reciprocal communication forming the acceptance pole. Key aspects of this style, such as warmth and genuineness, are common to many forms of psychotherapy. Reciprocal communication strategies, however, also include self-disclosure, a somewhat contentious area in psychotherapy. DBT identi®es self-disclosure as a strategy that re¯ects one aspect of the radically genuine nature of the therapeutic relationship. Within the context of the professional role, the therapist expresses a willingness to reveal more information about him-or herself within the therapeutic relationship to enable clients to use the relationship as a mechanism to learn about themselves and about relationships more generally. For many clients, self-disclosure by the therapist also may motivate them to change.
