Talking Therapy Episode 23: Therapist Self-Disclosure

Hosts:

Producer:

Alan Kian, MA, York University
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Marvin Goldfried is a distinguished professor of psychology at Stony Brook University, where he helped to develop the graduate program in clinical psychology—he is the cofounder of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. Allen Frances is a professor of psychiatry and chair emeritus at Duke, and was chair of the DSM-IV task force.

Marvin describes the evolution of his psychotherapy orientation as psychodynamic, behavioral, CBT, and eventually integrative. He practices, teaches, and supervises what works clinically using direct and indirect evidence base.

Allen describes his approach to psychotherapy as “whatever works” or “no one size fits all”. He was trained and taught at the Columbia University Psychoanalytic Center, but remains equally interested in brief, supportive, cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and family therapies.

Please enjoy this week’s episode!

[jessman]

I'm just a client so my opinion doesn't matter much. However, a therapist who doesn't self disclose is a therapist that can't help me. Self disclosure is an absolute must in my therapy.

[panayotadestiny]

I find self disclosure very useful for to teach important principles in a coping style without sounding like a wise ass!

[AmarieRainbowstar]

Self disclosure is supposed to be a provider sharing similiar experiances without giving out too many personal details. It is only done for the benefit of the client, it is not a way for the provider to overshare. Legally providers are required to set healthy boundaries with their clients from the very first meeting.

On a side note, I like ACT over BCT. But it is based on the needs of the client, not my personal preference of thought recognition.

I love the freedom to make mistakes example.

[plumjade]

Harry Stack Sullivan the only one who made a contribution to technique, really. The only one!!! Sullivan supervised Harold Searles and Searles definitely made creative contributions. Searles was painfully honest with his patients. Patients can be forgiving when Analysts make mistakes.

[sarahhajarbalqis]

Self disclosure. Interpersonal. Being ourselves. Establishing relationship. A trusting relationship. In contrast to blank screen.

Benefits, risks and caveats must be considered in self disclosure.