SELF-DISCLOSURE OR SELF PRESENCE

The issue of self-disclosure reflects an interest in allowing the anal yst to be present in the analytic situation in a way previously prohib ited, as a fully participating subject. The authors develop the concep t of the full-fledged communicational context as a way of allowing for , or even requiring, some form of voluntary self-disclosure. Anonymity is examined in the light of its claim to foster patient self-revelati on. The authors maintain that such a claim is seriously flawed. Their examination of the concept of analytic objectivity located its foundat ion in the intersubjective field; therefore, the claim that objectivit y is fostered by interpersonal distancing and anonymity is suspect. Fu rther, they assert that asymmetry in the analytic dyad, although unavo idable in many respects, could be significantly reduced, with benefici al effects for both analyst and patient.