ABSTRACT
A specialist consulting with seriously ill and terminal therapists writes about navigating this experience within their clinical practices. There has been a paucity of literature for clinicians facing these circumstances. In addition to sharing her own brush with cancer and struggle with self-disclosing to her psychotherapy clients, the author interviewed over 100 therapists and clients. What were the therapists’ dilemmas about self-disclosure of illness and possible death? What was the impact on clients with trauma and attachment wounds when there was self-disclosure and when there was not? Based on her training in Internal Family Systems and these interviews, the author formulates Principles of Contextual Self-Led Disclosure as a roadmap. Included are cases of seriously ill therapists seeking specialized consultation, including preparing a professional will, and another of a seriously ill psychotherapist who engages in consultation alongside the therapy relationship to consider the impact of his illness on his clients. These cases examine the challenges, blind spots, and learnings for consultees and consultants in this specialized work.
