Psychology In Seattle Podcast Self Disclosure (Deep Dive)(2017 Rerun)
Dec 5, 2025
Delve into the intriguing world of therapist self-disclosure, where boundaries blur and personal stories collide with professional ethics. Explore definitions, typologies, and the impact of sharing personal experiences in therapy. Understand how such disclosures can influence the therapeutic relationship. This discussion encourages reflection on trust, vulnerability, and the balance therapists must maintain while connecting with clients.
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Reflect Before Relating Personally
- When trainees feel pulled to relate, consider whether sharing will help clients feel less alone or simply redirect the session.
- Reflect with supervisors about specific disclosures rather than following blanket rules against disclosure.
Tattoo Artist's Disclosure Builds Rapport
- Patron Alexandra, a tattoo artist, reports that her self-disclosure helps clients relax significantly.
- This real-world example supports that appropriate disclosure can build rapport quickly.
Misinformation Persists Among Trainees
- Novice therapists often repeat what multiple supervisors or professors told them without critical evaluation.
- This perpetuates misinformation despite a solid empirical literature on self-disclosure.