ABSTRACT
This chapter explores psychotherapist self-disclosure in contexts of gender and power dynamics. Issues related to gender roles, inequality, and family of origin were discussed. Other areas addressed include modeling male vulnerability and reciprocity as well as the intersectionality of the therapist’s and client’s various social identities. Key points are based on fictional composite case examples, relevant self-disclosure research, and the author’s own experiences as both a psychotherapist and psychotherapy client. The case examples are drawn from the author’s professional experiences as a clinical psychologist in a variety of treatment settings, including correctional facilities, community mental health centers, alternative schools, and university counseling centers.
