Sharing Lived Experiences Framework (SLEF): a framework for mental health practitioners when making disclosure decisions

ABSTRACT

Self-disclosure for mental health practitioners can have benefits for the therapeutic relationship. Most practitioners, however, are wary of doing so, or do not know how to navigate this. This paper aims to present a comprehensive framework to assist mental health practitioners when choosing to self-disclose lived experiences. This framework was created by a working group of academics, clinicians, service users and recovery workers, based on an international project investigating self-disclosure among professionals. Results from this project informed the content of this framework, considering theoretical models of supervision to guide development. The Sharing Lived Experiences Framework (SLEF) details six areas for practitioners to consider: Preparedness, Confidence, Competence, Relevance, Comfort and Supervision. The connection between preparedness and supervision is emphasised. Preliminary data on the SLEF indicates that staff felt more able to navigate disclosure after training on this framework. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive framework to guide practitioners through the disclosure process; from planning, to in-the-moment considerations, to post-disclosure reflection. Although limited available data exist on clinical utility, the SLEF crucially provides a framework for supervision discussions and guided self-reflection for a full range of practitioners on a range of lived experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Lived experience
• self-disclosure
• staff disclosure
• supervision
• boundaries

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to extend their thanks to the service users that provided input on this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brendan J. Dunlop

Brendan J. Dunlop is a Clinical Psychologist in training at the University of Manchester. Brendan has worked clinically with a wide variety of mental health presentations and approaches to intervention. Brendan’s research involvement to date has mainly focussed upon self-injury, and his research interests including self-injury, minority mental health (particularly LGBTQ+) and service user involvement.

Bethany Woods

Bethany Woods is an Assistant Psychologist currently working in forensic services for Leeds and York NHS Foundation Trust. Bethany has completed undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, and was awarded the Phil Levy prize from Lancaster University for her dissertation project. In addition to her voluntary work, Bethany has worked in a variety of inpatient settings with a range of mental health presentations.

Jonny Lovell

Jonny Lovell worked for 15 years in the voluntary sector in community development, project management, and health promotion, before returning to education to complete the MA in Social Work at the University of York in 2013, and a PhD in Social Policy and Social Work in 2018. Jonny worked as a mental health researcher and lecturer at the university from 2016, before taking on the role of College Manager in 2018. His PhD research was on sharing mental health lived experience by practitioners in statutory mental health settings.

Alison O’Connell

Alison O’Connell has worked in various roles across the NHS and private sector. Such roles have included Recovery and Involvement Lead, Service User Involvement Facilitator, and at the time of this research, was working as a Recovery and Social Inclusion worker. All of these roles required lived experience of mental health difficulties as an essential criteria. Alison is passionate about providing a service to people that respects their wishes and is person centred. Alison has personal experience of mental health difficulties, including PTSD and self-harm. Alison believes that recovery is possible and that lived experience can be a powerful tool, if utilized correctly.

Sally Rawcliffe-Foo

Sally Rawcliffe-Foo is a registered Occupational Therapist working as Operational Manager for forensic services. Previous experiences include supporting regional service user involvement in engagement and coproduction. Sally continues to use her role and influence to develop secure psychiatric services.

Kerry Hinsby

Dr Kerry Hinsby is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist. She has over twenty years of experience working in different parts of the secure care system. Her clinical and research interests are staff well-wellbeing and the service user experience.