Therapist’s Self-Disclosure in Therapeutic Relationships

Regardless of the therapeutic approach utilised, an indispensible and communal component of most therapeutic approaches is the therapeutic relationship (Sparks, Duncan, & Miller, 2008). Norcross and Hill (2002) defined therapeutic relationship as the cooperative alliance between a therapist and the client. It is found to be influential in the success of a therapy (Lambert & Bergin, 1994). Hence, researchers began to investigate therapeutic relationship.

Therapist’s self-disclosure (TSD) is one of the various factors investigated by researchers in terms of its influence on the therapeutic relationship (Audet & Everall, 2010). TSD refers to the declarations of personal information by the therapist to the client (Norcross & Hill, 2002). Freud was against the idea of TSD. He believed therapist should remain opaque to the client (Freud, 1959). In support, ethicists are also against TSD as it poses a threat to the therapeutic relationship (Audet & Everall, 2010). However, Roger (1961) viewed TSD as an important component of therapeutic relationship. Feminist theorists supported TSD as it was believed to balance the power difference in a therapeutic relationship (Enns, 1997). Despite the on-going debate on TSD, Henretty and Levitt (2010) found that majority of therapists do disclose personal information to the clients.

Knox and Hill (2003) viewed TSD as beneficial to the therapeutic relationship. Hence, they introduced guidelines in the usage of TSD. They believed that via their guidelines, therapists can use self-disclosure more appropriately in their attempt to enhance therapeutic relationships. In this paper, Knox and Hill’s (2003) view on the TSD in relation to therapeutic relationship will be summarised. In addition, their guidelin...

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