What does the term "self-disclosure" mean in a therapeutic context?

The term "self-disclosure" in a therapeutic context primarily refers to the act of a therapist sharing personal information or experiences with a client. This sharing can help build rapport, enhance the therapeutic alliance, and offer clients insight into the therapist's experiences that may be relevant to the client's situation. Self-disclosure can take various forms, including sharing relevant life experiences, beliefs, or feelings, but it is done with the intention of benefiting the therapeutic process.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of self-disclosure. For instance, revealing a client's personal information to outside parties relates to ethical breaches regarding confidentiality, not self-disclosure. Engaging in shared personal experiences with the client may imply a dual narrative that does not align with the professional boundaries therapists typically maintain. Choosing not to discuss personal beliefs during therapy reflects an aspect of therapeutic practice known as neutrality or professional restraint, but it does not align with the act of self-disclosure. Therefore, self-disclosure specifically describes the intentional act of a therapist sharing aspects of their own life with the client to facilitate understanding or connection in the therapeutic relationship.