Therapists’ lived experience of self-disclosure

Authors

  • Genevieve Marais
  • Alistair McBeath Metanoia Institute

Keywords:

therapist self-disclosure, risk, vulnerability, motivation, power, wounded healer, IPA

Abstract

The impact and challenges of therapist self-disclosure on the disclosing therapist was explored using Reflexive Thematic Analysis of five interviews with integrative psychotherapists. Three main themes were created: ‘Ambivalent understandings’, ‘Risking rupture and transgression?’ and ‘Regrets, risks and rewards’. Therapist self-disclosure was revealed as a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon which evokes a range of feelings in therapists including regret, anxiety, vulnerability, guilt but also a driving belief that it can enhance client well-being. Therapist self-disclosure is seen as best used sparingly, appropriately, and in alignment with client well-being. A discussion draws out some implications for appropriate clinical practice.

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Published

03/07/2021 — Updated on 03/07/2021

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How to Cite

Marais, G., & Alistair McBeath. (2021). Therapists’ lived experience of self-disclosure. European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy, 11, 72–86. Retrieved from https://www.ejqrp.org/index.php/ejqrp/article/view/88

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Articles