To Disclose or Not to Disclose: Is That the Question? Therapist Self-Disclosure – Understandings, Types and Influences

Date
2007
Authors
Lowry, Jane
Supervisor
Rosenberg, Linde
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Health Science
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Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

To disclose or not to disclose: Is that the question? This dissertation suggests that the question is in fact far more complicated, as therapist self-disclosure challenges therapists to consider what will be most beneficial in each situation. Thus, it is the complexity of the topic of self disclosure that is explored in this dissertation. Using a modified systematic literature review, this dissertation looks at how self-disclosure is understood in analytic literature and the different types of disclosure. Three broad categories of self-disclosures are identified and discussed: implicit disclosures, counter transference disclosures and personal disclosures. Within each of these types, the dissertation looks at what influences a therapist’s disclosure, using clinical examples to explore the literature. A range of client, therapist and relational influences are discussed and a list of these compiled. This is done to assist thinking and decision making processes around therapist self-disclosure.

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