Thoughts/experiences with self disclosure (ED/addiction/depression)?
I know there’s no right answer — but I’m wondering what other professionals opinions and experiences are on self disclosure (particularly with eating disorders/addiction, but would love to hear from all!)
Specifically:
- our first priority is always do no harm, how do we weigh up if it will enhance the therapeutic relationship or cause harm?
- I often find myself wanting my patients to know I UNDERSTAND how hard recovery is (because I know what it’s like to get support from someone who doesn’t understand, and it always just lands more meaningfully when we know the person isn’t just saying a generic ‘I know it’s hard’ but can ACTUALLY relate
- does self disclosing risk undermining how a client sees you/takes from what you say to them? what about the risk of then being seen more like a peer than the professional (I work in an ED treatment centre)
Would love to hear what everyone thinks!