Ethical Therapist Self-Disclosure

This article explores the concept of self-disclosure in therapy and examines its potential benefits and drawbacks, ethical considerations, and practical applications.

Related articles: Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity, How to Ethically Integrate Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice, The Role of Humour in Therapy: When and How to Use It.

Related discussion: Therapist self-disclosure: Where do you draw the line?

Related resource: Ethical Therapist Self-Disclosure Checklist.

Introduction

Therapist self-disclosure – the intentional sharing of personal information by a therapist with a client – has long been a topic of discussion and debate within the mental health profession. While some practitioners view it as a tool to enhance therapeutic rapport and foster client trust, others raise concerns about potential boundary issues and the risk of shifting focus away from the client. This article explores the concept of self-disclosure in therapy, examines its potential benefits and drawbacks, and provides clinicians with practical guidelines to navigate this complex aspect of therapeutic practice. Two case studies are included to illustrate the points.

Understanding therapist self-disclosure

Therapist self-disclosure involves the revelation of personal information, experiences, or feelings by the therapist during the course of therapy. This can range from sharing professional experiences and immediate reactions within the therapeutic context to divulging personal life events or beliefs. The primary intention behind self-disclosure is to serve the client’s therapeutic needs, fostering a sense of connection and modelling authentic communication.

Self-disclosure can be categorised into:

• Immediate disclosure: Sharing the therapist’s immediate feelings or reactions related to the therapeutic process.
• Non-immediate disclosure: Revealing personal information unrelated to the current therapeutic interaction.

Additionally, disclosures can be:

• Deliberate: Intentional sharing aimed at benefitting the client’s therapeutic process.
• Unavoidable: Incidental revelations, such as visible personal items in the therapist’s office or public encounters.

Benefits and drawbacks of self-disclosure in therapy

The strategic use of self-disclosure can offer several benefits:

• Building rapport and trust: Sharing relatable experiences can humanise the therapist, making them appear more genuine and approachable, thereby strengthening the therapeutic alliance.
• Normalising client experiences: Disclosing similar personal challenges can help clients feel less isolated and more understood, validating their feelings and experiences.
• Modelling open communication: Demonstrating vulnerability can encourage clients to open up, fostering a culture of honesty and transparency within sessions.
• Instilling hope: Sharing stories of overcoming adversity can provide clients with hope and motivation for their own journeys.

However, self-disclosure also carries potential drawbacks:

• Blurring professional boundaries: Excessive or inappropriate sharing can shift the focus from the client to the therapist, leading to role confusion and dependency.
• Client discomfort: Clients may feel burdened by the therapist’s disclosures or perceive them as unprofessional, potentially hindering the therapeutic process.
• Risk of misuse: Personal information shared by the therapist could be misinterpreted or used by clients to divert from their own issues.

Ethical principles and practical guidelines for therapist self-disclosure

When contemplating self-disclosure, you must weigh your intentions and the potential impact on your client. Ethical principles to consider include:

• Beneficence: Ensuring the disclosure serves the client’s best interests by enhancing their therapeutic progress rather than meeting your own emotional or professional needs.
• Nonmaleficence: Avoiding disclosures that could cause harm or distress to the client, including those that might lead to increased dependency, emotional burden, or confusion about your role as therapist.
• Fiduciary responsibility: Maintaining the trust inherent in the therapist-client relationship by prioritising your client’s needs over personal gratification. This also includes protecting your client’s sense of safety and security in the therapeutic setting.
• Informed professional judgment: You should critically assess the potential risks and benefits of self-disclosure in light of ethical guidelines and professional standards (review your professional association’s and/or credentialing body’s ethical guidelines for further guidance). Considering consultation or supervision is advisable when there is uncertainty.
• Cultural and individual sensitivity: Self-disclosure must be considered within the context of the client’s cultural background, belief systems, and unique personality traits. What may be seen as beneficial in one therapeutic relationship could be counterproductive in another.
• Confidentiality considerations: While self-disclosure involves sharing personal information, it should never compromise the confidentiality of other clients or any third parties.
• Therapeutic boundaries: Ensuring that disclosure does not blur the professional boundary between you and the client is critical. Disclosure should not encourage role reversal where the client feels responsible for your emotional well-being.

For further guidance, download our Ethical Therapist Self-Disclosure Checklist.

Case studies of appropriate and inappropriate therapist self-disclosure

We can observe the benefits of appropriate disclosure and the unhelpful consequences of inappropriate disclosure in the following two case studies. We encourage you to consider which ethical principles and practical guidelines are being met or violated in each case.

Case Study 1: Self-disclosure as a catalyst for growth

Sarah, a 29-year-old graduate student, sought therapy due to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and self-doubt. She had difficulty trusting others and felt that no one truly understood what she was going through. She started seeing Dr. Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist, who takes a person-centred, integrative approach to therapy.

The course of therapy

Over the first few sessions, Sarah disclosed that she struggled with perfectionism and was often paralysed by fear of failure. Although she made some progress talking about her childhood and her critical inner voice, she still felt disconnected from Dr. Martin and the therapeutic process, frequently stating, “You can’t possibly know how I feel.”

Therapist’s motive for self-disclosure

Dr. Martin recognised that Sarah needed a sense of validation and reassurance that she wasn’t alone. He believed that a brief, carefully chosen personal disclosure about having faced similar “perfectionism traps” in his own academic journey might help build trust and normalise Sarah’s struggles.

Therapeutic dialogue

Sarah (client): I just don’t see how you can understand. You’re successful, you have everything together. I’m sure you never had this constant fear of not being good enough.

Dr. Martin (therapist): It sounds like you feel alone and worry that nobody else shares those doubts.

Sarah: Exactly. I’ve never met anyone who really gets this. My friends think I’m just overthinking, and my parents tell me to “lighten up.”

Dr. Martin: Sarah, I wonder if it would help to know that I had a similar fear back when I was working on my dissertation. I remember feeling overwhelmed and terrified of not meeting the standards I set for myself. It was hard to believe that I could ever finish.

Sarah (surprised): You? But you’re a psychologist… I assumed you had it all figured out.

Dr. Martin: I wish it worked that way! I’ve learned that these feelings of inadequacy can happen to a lot of us, especially when we care deeply about our goals. But I also learned that talking about those fears, just like you’re doing now, can make a big difference.

Explanation for the positive outcome

• Validation and normalisation: By briefly sharing a similar experience, Dr. Martin normalised Sarah’s anxiety about perfectionism. This disclosure minimised the power of her shame and isolation.
• Alliance and trust: The intentional, modest self-disclosure strengthened the therapeutic alliance. Sarah felt seen, understood, and less alone.
• Appropriate boundaries: Dr. Martin shared only as much information as needed to help Sarah—he did not shift focus to his own story. His disclosure was intentional, concise, and relevant to Sarah’s specific struggle.
• Instilling hope: Sarah realised that if someone she respected – Dr. Martin – could have self-doubts and feelings of inadequacy but go on to resolve them, so could she.

Results

After this disclosure, Sarah reported feeling more hopeful and connected. She became more open, discussing her fear of judgment with less defensiveness. Over time, the therapeutic relationship deepened, and she was able to challenge her automatic negative thoughts and adopt healthier coping strategies.

Case Study 2: Self-disclosure that crosses boundaries

Mark, a 42-year-old marketing executive, entered therapy to manage work-related stress and relationship difficulties. He met Dr. Burns, a clinical psychologist in private practice. Dr. Burns, dealing with personal stress in her own life, struggled to keep her personal experiences separate from her work with clients.

The course of therapy

Initially, Mark made progress identifying triggers for his stress—particularly an unsupportive supervisor and financial worries. However, Dr. Burns began to disclose her own marital issues, health concerns, and financial anxieties, hoping this would reassure Mark that “everyone has struggles.”

Therapist’s motive for self-disclosure

While Dr. Burns believed that offering her own experiences would help Mark feel less alone, her deeper (probably unconscious) motive was to seek emotional validation and support for her own distress. She thus blurred the lines between her role as a therapist and her personal needs.

Therapeutic dialogue

Mark (client): I feel like I’m at my breaking point. My boss keeps piling on work, and I just can’t say no. I need this job to support my family, but I’m so worried I’ll burn out.

Dr. Burns (therapist): That sounds overwhelming, Mark. Actually, I totally understand—my own marriage is really struggling right now, and we’re facing some big financial decisions, too. It’s so stressful. I was thinking you and I could share ideas on how to cope.

Mark (hesitant): Oh… I’m sorry to hear that. I guess it happens to everyone. (Pause) Maybe you can tell me more about how you deal with it?

Dr. Burns: Truthfully, I’m not sure I’ve figured it out yet. I’ve been losing sleep and feeling pretty anxious myself. Sometimes I feel like therapy is the only break I get from my problems, but even that’s been tough lately.

(Mark looks uneasy, not knowing how to respond.)

Explanation for the negative outcome

• Loss of therapeutic focus: Dr. Burns’s focus veered toward her own struggles, detracting from Mark’s issues. This created confusion over roles: Mark found himself in the position of offering sympathy to Dr. Burns.
• Inappropriate boundaries: The depth and frequency of Dr. Burns’s disclosures were not directly relevant to Mark’s situation. Instead of a brief, purposeful disclosure, she offloaded her personal problems.
• Erosion of trust and safety: Mark started feeling uneasy, questioning Dr. Burns’s competence and emotional availability. This undermined the therapeutic alliance and made Mark reluctant to share further, fearing Dr. Burns might burden him with more personal information.
• Unintended emotional burden on the client: Mark’s responsibility in therapy shifted from working on his own struggles to managing Dr. Burns’s disclosures. This added to, rather than alleviated, his stress, as he felt uncomfortable with the misuse of disclosure.
• Guidelines violated. Ethical guidelines around non-maleficence, fiduciary responsibility, informed professional judgment, and therapeutic boundaries were all violated with Dr. Burns’ ill-advised disclosures.

Results

As a consequence of these inappropriate disclosures, Mark eventually felt therapy was no longer helpful. He terminated sessions with Dr. Burns and sought another therapist, reporting that he had felt unsupported and uncomfortable. The boundary violations overshadowed any potential benefits, leading to a detrimental therapeutic experience.

In sum, self-disclosure is a powerful therapeutic tool that must be used judiciously, with a conscious focus on the client’s benefit. When done with clear intention and within proper boundaries, it can humanise the therapist and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. However, when the therapist’s needs or emotions become the focal point, it can erode the alliance and harm the client’s progress.

Questions for therapists to consider

The following self-exploration questions may help you ascertain whether self-disclosure is appropriate within a specific context:

• Why am I choosing to share this information now? What is motivating my decision, and is it in the best interest of the client?
• How does this disclosure align with the client’s therapeutic objectives? Will it enhance the therapeutic process, or does it serve my own needs?
• Am I comfortable with the client knowing this about me? Would I be at ease if this information were brought up in future sessions?
• How might this information influence the client’s perception of me and the therapeutic process? Could it change the dynamic in a way that is unhelpful?
• Could this disclosure shift the focus away from the client? Will my sharing take time and attention away from addressing the client’s concerns?
• Is there another way to achieve the same therapeutic benefit without self-disclosing? Could I use a different approach that does not involve personal sharing?
• How might this disclosure affect the client’s boundaries? Could it create dependency or alter the professional nature of our relationship?
• Am I prepared to discuss any unintended consequences of this disclosure? How will I manage the situation if the client reacts negatively or feels uncomfortable?

Conclusion

Therapist self-disclosure is a powerful but nuanced and multifaceted aspect of therapeutic practice that requires careful ethical consideration and clinical judgment. When used thoughtfully and intentionally, self-disclosure can strengthen the therapeutic alliance, validate client experiences, humanise the therapist, and model healthy communication. However, therapists must remain vigilant about maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring that any disclosure keeps the focus on the client, serving their best interests. By reflecting on the purpose, relevance, and potential impact of self-disclosure, and by seeking supervision when in doubt, clinicians can navigate this complex terrain ethically and effectively.

Key takeaways

• Intentionality in self-disclosure matters, as a clear therapeutic rationale (to build trust and normalise client struggles) is appropriate, whereas an inappropriate motive of seeking emotional validation and support serves therapist rather than client interests. Inappropriate disclosure derails trust and leaves the client feeling responsible for the therapist’s wellbeing.
• Boundaries matter: Excessive or irrelevant disclosures risk harming the client-therapist dynamic; thus, a concise, relevant sharing may keep the focus on the client, while an extended, irrelevant disclosure shifts it unhelpfully to the therapist.
• Cultural considerations should be taken into account when deciding whether self-disclosure is appropriate.
• Supervision and consultation are valuable resources when unsure about whether to disclose personal information.
• Self-reflection is essential before sharing any personal experiences in a therapeutic setting.

References

• Barnett J. E. (2011). Psychotherapist self-disclosure: ethical and clinical considerations. Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.), 48(4), 315–321. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026056
• Baumann, E. F., Ryu, D., & Harney, P. (2020). Listening to identity: Transference, countertransference, and therapist disclosure in psychotherapy with sexual and gender minority clients. Practice Innovations, 5(3), 246–256. https://doi.org/10.1037/pri0000132
• Hill, C. E., Knox, S., & Pinto-Coelho, K. G. (2018). Therapist self-disclosure and immediacy: A qualitative meta-analysis. Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.), 55(4), 445–460. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000182
• Knox, S., & Hill, C. E. (2003). Therapist self-disclosure: research-based suggestions for practitioners. Journal of clinical psychology, 59(5), 529–539. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10157
• Neuroanch editorial team. (2024). Self-disclosure in therapy: Navigating boundaries and building trust. NeuroLanch. Retrieved on 26 February 2025 from https://neurolaunch.com/self-disclosure-in-therapy/
• Zur, O. (2024). Self-disclosure in therapy: To zip or not to zip? Dr. Ofer Zur. Retrieved on 26 February 2025 from: To Zip or Not to Zip? Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy