THERAPIST SELF-DISCLOSURE - ITS EFFECTS ON CLIENTS AND THE TREATMENT RELATIONSHIP

This exploratory study examines the effects of therapist self-disclosu re on therapy and the treatment relationship based on clients' reports of their experience with this intervention. Eight adult former client s who have been in individual psychotherapy were interviewed about the ir experiences with therapist self-disclosure. Subjects reflected on t he context of the disclosure, their reactions to the information that was revealed, their perception of the effects on the therapy and treat ment relationship, and their views about the appropriateness of what t hey had been told. Study results suggest that therapist self-disclosur e has both positive and negative treatment implications. There is a ne ed for therapists to explore with clients the range of meanings their disclosure has for each individual. It is recommended that clinical tr aining programs integrate guidelines on the appropriate use of therapi st self-disclosure into their curricula.