In what context is self-disclosure most appropriate?

Self-disclosure by a therapist is most appropriate when it serves a therapeutic purpose. This means that the act of sharing personal information should be intentional and relevant to the client's therapy goals, facilitating a deeper understanding or connection within the therapeutic relationship.

When therapists share personal experiences or feelings that are pertinent to the client's situation, it can help to normalize the client's experiences, provide insight, or inspire motivation. This kind of targeted self-disclosure can foster trust and encourage openness in the therapeutic relationship, enhancing the client's engagement with the therapy process.

In contrast, disclosing personal information because the therapist feels overwhelmed does not serve the client's needs and could shift the focus away from the client, which is not beneficial. Aligning with industry trends may pose ethical concerns, as the focus should always be on the client's needs rather than following popular practices. Finally, sharing personal stories solely because a client prefers them can lead to an inappropriate dynamic where the therapy becomes more about the therapist's experiences rather than the client's healing journey. Therefore, self-disclosure should always be client-centered and aimed at promoting the therapeutic process.