What is Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure refers generally to a counselor’s sharing of personal information to clients during or outside the counseling session. Types of counselor self-disclosure can range from the sharing of information about the counselor’s personal life and experiences to the sharing of his or her personal opinions about particular issues and events. There are four main types of counselor self-disclosures: accidental, unavoidable, client initiated, and deliberate. Show
Accidental self-disclosures are incidental (unplanned) encounters outside the counseling session, spontaneous verbal or non-verbal reactions in session, or other occurrences that happen to reveal therapists’ personal information to their client. Unavoidable self-disclosures are client revelations about a counselor’s personal life that occur through obvious distinguishing characteristics such as the counselor’s race, gender, clothing, jewelry, etc. Client initiated disclosures occur when clients seek and find information about their counselor on print or online media such as biographies, resumes, family history, volunteer activity, professional achievements, etc. Generally speaking, the disclosure of personal counselor information to clients through accidental, unavoidable, and client initiated means is thought to blur the boundaries of the counselor-client relationship and to be minimized wherever possible. On the other hand, deliberate counselor self-disclosure is that disclosure of personal information that a counselor makes purposely to a client as a tool in the counseling process. The use of deliberate counselor self-disclosure in the counseling process has shown to have some real benefits, but its use also carries some risks. The Benefits of Using Self-DisclosureCounselor self-disclosure can have a number of identifiable benefits to the counseling process:
The Risks of Using Self-DisclosureCounselor self-disclosure also has some potential risks:
Ethical Self-DisclosureAs demonstrated above, counselor self-disclosure can have some real benefits to the counseling process; however steps must always be taken to avoid its potential risks for clients. Those steps include the following:
It can be difficult to predict exactly how a client will respond or react to a disclosure. Careful monitoring and frequent checking-in are important in order to gauge how the client is feeling about all aspects of the therapeutic relationship. Given that each client is different, as is each counselor, a rigid view is likely unhelpful when it comes to the practice of self-disclosure. Instead, each choice to use self-disclosure should be made according to careful consideration of its potential assets and liabilities to each client. Learn to Apply Best PracticesIf you’d like to expand your skill set, knowledge and learn how to enhance your patients’ experience and care, consider how a CACREP-accredited Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling from William & Mary, a renowned “Public Ivy” institution, can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. References Zur, O. (2010). Self-disclosure. In I. B. Weiner & W. E. Craighead (Eds.), Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology (4th ed.) (pp. 1532-1534). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Audet, C. and Everall, R.D. (2003). Counsellor self-disclosure: Client-informed implications for practice. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 3: 223–231. Which is true of appropriate self disclosure?Which is true of appropriate self-disclosure? It is a way to achieve good emotional health. accurately describing your feelings and emotions.
Which of the following is not true regarding the use of feedback during the closing stage of group?Which of the following is NOT true regarding the use of feedback during the closing stage of group? Feedback should not be given during the closing stage, as it could be hurtful.
Which of the following is an example of an implicit norm that operates in a group?Which of the following is an example of an implicit norm that operates in a group? Members are expected to attend regularly and to show up on time.
What is the most important aspect of effective group leadership?Leaders must have skills in communicating effectively, listening actively, working with people, and helping others work together in groups. Leaders must have integrity and honesty. Good leaders must first learn to be good followers. Leaders do not dominate a group, but lead by their actions.
|