Should psychotherapists disclose their own psychological problems?

Abstract

Background: Self-disclosures by psychotherapists can encompass a wide array of content, including information about the personal life of the psychotherapist. Aim: The goal of this study was to empirically assess reactions to psychotherapists disclosing their own personal problems to clients with similar problems. Methodology: This study explored participants' (n = 155) reactions to vignettes describing psychotherapists as either disclosing or not disclosing their own history of psychological problems to clients presenting with similar problems. Findings: Compared to otherwise identical vignettes featuring psychotherapists who did not self-disclose, vignettes featuring psychotherapists who self-disclosed were rated more positively in a variety of ways. Specifically, psychotherapists in the vignettes featuring self-disclosure were perceived as possessing a higher level of favourable personal qualities and as more likely to establish strong working relationships with clients and achieve success in therapy. Limitations of the method and alternate explanations for the results are considered. Implications: Implications regarding the judicious use by psychotherapists of self-disclosure regarding their own past psychological problems are discussed.

Keywords:

• counselling
• disclosure
• psychotherapist
• psychotherapy
• self-disclosure

Notes

1. Even though the main effect of psychological problem was significant in the MANOVA, we did not report the univariate effects as it was not the primary focus of the current investigation. This data is available upon request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrea D. Somers

Andrea D. Somers is a graduate of the Clinical Adult Psychology Graduate Program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Andrew M. Pomerantz

Andrew M. Pomerantz is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Clinical Adult Psychology Graduate Program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

J. Thadeus Meeks

J. Thadeus Meeks is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Laura A. Pawlow

Laura A. Pawlow is Associate Professor of Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.