Self-disclosure: Courageous or Counterproductive?

2 CEs offered for Licensed Counselors and Social Workers

Therapist self-disclosures can be a powerful therapeutic tool when they are thoughtfully considered, well timed, and client-focused. Determining if, when, and what to self-disclose involves a delicate balance of our intentions and our clients’ needs. Developing a greater awareness of how self-disclosure impacts our clients and ourselves helps ensure that our courage to share doesn’t become counterproductive to the therapeutic relationship.  

Goal: Therapists will improve their understanding of when and how to use self-disclosure to enhance the counseling relationship and support clients’ therapeutic goals. 

Objectives: Program participants will learn how to:

• Explore intentions, opinions, and fears about self-disclosure
• Assess the appropriateness of self-disclosure on a case-by-case basis
• Make informed decisions through careful consideration of insight, intimacy, and instinct
• Better understand the impact of self-disclosure on the counselor
• Transform obstacles into opportunity if disclosures don’t go well

About the Presenter

Heather Pierce is the Founder and Managing Director of Steadfast Center. As a trauma therapist she works towards restoring hope and creating lasting change in people impacted by victimization and neglect. Heather is a respected leader, published author, and engaging speaker, presenting to local and national audiences on a range of topics that honor the impact of trauma on both helping professionals and the people they serve.