ABSTRACT
Theoretical conceptualizations of how therapeutic self-disclosure (TSD) may fit into the major models of practice are mentioned frequently in the scholarly literature. From a psychodynamic perspective, the therapist sharing real-time feelings with a client may positively affect the client’s object relations. Within a cognitive behavioral framework, a therapist disclosing personal coping skills or perspectives may positively impact the client’s intertwining thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Through a feminist lens, revealing political and social justice-oriented beliefs can help the client make an informed decision about therapist selection. Through a client-centered, humanistic, or existential approach, a therapist may share relevant historical details of his or life in order to convey his or her humanity and/or model transparency, authenticity, and reciprocity. Common factors (across models) of maximally helpful TSDs are those that flow from the therapist’s intention to convey empathy, caring, and collaboration, encourage reciprocal client disclosure, or address specific symptoms. Common cautions within the different theoretical positions include that TSD may distract from the focus of treatment, diminish the therapist’s credibility, and/or shift the focus of therapy from a professional to a personal realm. Major implications are that theory-driven TSDs may be of particular benefit to clients, may improve treatment outcomes, and therefore should be researched to a greater extent in the future.
