Therapist Self-Disclosure In Group Counseling

How Therapist Self-Disclosure And Non-Disclosure Affects Clients”, stated that, “The study results suggest that therapist self‐disclosure has both positive and negative treatment implications.” It depends on how therapeutic the self-disclosure would benefit the client in that given situation, and the client’s receptiveness to what information is given to them; for example, one patient may respond positively to a therapist’s self –disclosure that reveals another safe point of view of an issue, while another patient might feel that therapist’s has over stepped their boundaries. Madill et al. stated that, “These were sometimes attributed to inexperience and sometimes the characteristics of the total situation, such as events from the therapist's personal life” (13). There are times when sharing something from the therapist can help explain an issue that is present during the time of that therapy appointment. Another problem with a therapist’s self-disclosure is that after years of treatment, the therapist can run out of examples to use to clarify a point made during the appointment. Years and years of treatment sometimes cover issues where the therapist, will add something about himself or herself. People who tend to talk for a very long time during therapy can relate on a level that is not crossing the boundaries. In addition, self –disclosure may be a major problem for therapists who live and work in rural communities, because

Goldfried, M.R., Burckell, L.A., & Eubanks-Carter, C. (2003). Therapist self-disclosure in cognitive-behavior therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, Special Issue: In Session, 59(5), 555-568.

Breaking confidentiality is a serious ethical component in counseling and must be considered very carefully before doing so. Each state has laws regarding the disclosure of confidentiality whether it to the courts, the clients, relatives, lawyers, schools, or other unbiased parties (Corey et al., 2015). It is very important that the therapist is aware of the laws in regards to disclosure of confidentiality in the state in which they practice to ensure that they are practicing in an ethical manner and to avoid any legal

When one thinks of a counselor, what ideas come to mind? To advise, to instruct, to counsel? My reaction to counseling in my early days in the profession was to receive guidance from a professional when I did not have the answers myself or when I felt “stuck” with a problem in my personal life that I felt I could not solve. What did I wish to get from seeing a counselor? The question depends on what aspect you are seeking guidance or counsel in your life. The question changed when I began to pursue a career in counseling. The question became “Why do I want to be a counselor? Who do I want to serve? What

Feltham and Horton 2006 recognise that many self-help groups work on the principle of group self-disclosure to encourage and challenge clients. They state that these self-help groups may work as it is a peer experience. In one-to-one counselling, it is important to acknowledge that the counsellor is not a peer. And self-disclosure must be used skilfully.

I know how to listen, be persistent, trust worthy, and open minded. I also have had plenty of experiences that can help me to relate to other clients I may come in contact with. This will allow me to be more effective as a counselor. I have many goals as a young aspiring counselor. I think that the standards and goals I have for myself will allow me to uphold high standards for all my clients, which will show them that I believe in them. I have the personality, drive, and want to help people and this is why I chose the counseling profession. It will not always be easy, but it will always be rewarding knowing I did help someone, or at least tried to. It takes one person to make a positive impact and change someone’s life. I want to be that

I agree that therapists who are unwilling to keep a secret with one partner commonly operate on the premise that it is most imperative that he or she remain trustworthy and foster a strong therapeutic relationship with both partners (Goldenberg et al, 2017). Such therapist believes that a willingness to keep a secret with one partner undermines the ability of clients to be able to trust them. They also understand that collusion with one partner against the other by keeping a secret puts them in a precarious position and can ultimately undermine the therapeutic process. This process, known as triangulation, occurs when a third party (i.e. the therapist) is drawn in to form an alliance with one partner against the other (Long & Young,

The protagonist discussed the theme of disclosure where a patient may struggle with thoughts that he or she believes is unique to him or her and might find great difficulty in surpassing or to overcome. Yolam highlighted the fact that group counseling can be rewarding for patients suffering from a lack of disclosure where they are given the opportunity to listen to other persons with the same or

This paper begins with a general idea of self-disclosure by therapists and the importance of keeping the client’s needs first. It covers many aspects of self-disclosure including ethically what to look for in the motives of using self-disclosure with a client. There are other aspects of self-disclosure which include transference and countertransference which are issues which need to be attended to immediately for the therapist to remain objective and not react to a client. Therapists must be cautious in disclosing information and make sure it is relevant to treatment. Beneficence and nonmaleficence are important things to consider when self-disclosing and the therapist must be educated, well trained, and have experience before considering self-disclosure. Also included in this paper are different orientations in relation to self-disclosure. Those orientations include Adlerian therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, feminist therapy, and relational therapy. Although these are only a few orientations,

Another ethical issue unique to group therapy pertains to the screening of prospective participants. This screening is essential for determining the suitability of the members to the group. According to Finn & Barak (2010), groups that emphasize life skills, social skills, development or those involving personal issues are the ones that can benefit most from screening members. The screening process can help prospective members to clarify their expectations regarding the benefits they hope to reap from the group experience. The process can also aid in minimizing some of the complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity that members might have about their participation in the group therapy (Crespi, 2009).

Disclosure vs Anonymity can be a real struggle for some people. Disclosing something deep down inside of them that they never told a soul can be hard. It is also a struggle for the counselor to get that person to disclose that part of them. There may also fear rejection, judgment, or breach of confidentiality from the others in the group. It will be a tough job for the counselor, however if the counselor takes the time to sit down with that person and ask them what are their fears? What is holding them back from disclosing that part of them? Etc. I believe the counselor will be able to get a better understanding of what is going on with that person and he/she may feel comfortable talking about it. Authenticity vs Guardedness is my favorite

You must be trustworthy in order to keep client information confidential, which also requires restraint and discipline. Most importantly, a counselor must keep up with their own mental health. Knowing how to cope, unwind, and relax after serving others can sometimes become emotionally taxing. Taking care of oneself in order to help others is paramount to success in their career. I believe that I posses all of these qualities and can learn to strengthen and apply them through your graduate program. In a world that is ever changing, diversity training and sensitivity is also important. As a therapist, I will be placed in environments with the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, traditions, and approaches than I. Building rapport through relationship and empathy will be the key to giving my clients the assurance needed to make their first step toward changing their lives and moving forward toward their desired self. My job, as a counselor is to empower, not to tear down, which is why I will seek to give back my services in low income areas, nonprofit organizations, as well as on a volunteer basis to improve my very own community.

In the grief support group I co-lead with a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and supervised by a Master of Social Work I learned how to facilitate a meeting. The LPCC taught me the person-centered approach and the social worker taught me to monitor client’s progression of goals. She allowed me to take lead, to link members together by similarities they share, and to give members homework. The LPCC believed in self-disclosure, she demonstrated this for me in a fantastic manner the social worker I was with did as well. Teaching me that it is great to self-disclose when appropriate and when it will benefit the progression of the group or for them to feel comfortable trusting the leader. In my group sessions I did not deem self-disclosure appropriate to use. How I will translate this is to be aware of my clients, to ask them what goals they hope to achieve, and for them to keep journals of progress. I will create a safe atmosphere for clients to speak, provide affirmation, and help clients set and maintain goals.

A counselor should be very observant and able to interpret non-verbal communication for example if the patient looks angry, and then find out the cause of his/her anger first. An effective counselor should provide non-possessive warmth in a counseling environment. Smile and show concern and acceptance by showing comfort, empathy, and understanding to the patient.

Welcome to my practice. I am looking forward to work with you. In accordance with RCW 18.225 and AAMFT ethical code 1.2, therapist/counselor shall provide disclosure information to each client before the implementation of a treatment plan. The disclosure information must be: specific to the type of treatment service offered, in a language that can be easily understood by the client, and contain sufficient detail to enable the client to make an informed decision whether or not to accept treatment from the disclosing licensee. This document has important information regarding our therapeutic work together. This document contains the following information: My experience as a therapist, my approaches to counseling, your rights as a client, your responsibilities as a client, and additional information. It is important that you review this document carefully before signing. When you sign this document, it represents an agreement between us. You may revoke this agreement at any time. If I have already taken actions or you have incurred financial obligations, the revocation will not be binding however. If you have any question after reading this document, feel free to ask me for clarifications.