Self Disclosure

by Galen Phipps
(Blue River, Oregon, USA)

I was having a discussion with some colleagues the other day about when and how self-disclosure might be appropriate. Some said it was never appropriate, others said it has its benefits. Afterward it occurred to me that when I do have the urge to self-disclose in session is the point when I should wait and consider why I wanted to disclose. The fact is "Did the urge mean I had a point or example important for the client or was I focused on myself and out of balance at that moment?

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Jun 20, 2016
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Curious
by: Gene

...and I'm wondering, when you do stop and think about whether or not you ought to self-disclose, how often do you wind up not doing so? I find that at least half the time that I reflect on this, I decide not to do so. What do others think?

Jun 20, 2016
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Thinking self-disclosure through
by: Gene

Galen, thanks for your insightful submission. I agree that, when in doubt, we should stop and think about why we want to self-disclose. While I believe that self-disclosure has a place in counseling and social services work, it must always be for the benefit of the client(s).

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