Reference no: EM133356405

Question: Describe whether you agree or disagree with your colleague's use of self-disclosure based on the guidelines to consider when using self-disclosure

Case Study: Janice's response : I use self-disclosure during group therapy sessions to reinforce important information being presented. I also use self-disclosure when I am explaining concepts that are otherwise difficult to understand. Whenever I give out work sheet with assignments, depending on the topic, I would go first and give an example of a scenario that is applicable to the topic being discussed, which often involved self-disclosure. I recall, the topic for a recent group session I was leading was Spiritual Values. After giving out a worksheet and going through the assignment instructions, I explained to the group what spiritual values were. I went on, to provide examples of values that I hold dearly and explained what they meant in my life. I self-disclosed about my values and explained why I hold those values dearly. After providing that example, group members had a clearer understanding of the requirements of the assignment. It also provided a better understanding of spiritual values. It also created a stronger connection with the client.

Elima' response In the past I have found that self-disclosure is most appropriate in group settings when for example, the group is new, tense, nervous and are not in a hurry to get started on the topic. One instance I recall is after working on genograms, the group was to share one significant date from their genogram and answer any group questions. I began the session with a self-disclosure from my own genogram that I had worked on previously. It eased them visibly and the session ended in a good way.

I have used self-disclosure during individual sessions if I felt that the disclosure would help my client address an issue like anxiety, panic attacks or domestic violence. Those were carefully chosen, not in depth disclosures to assist a client when they felt alone, weird or like something was wrong with them and after a good therapeutic relationship had been established, especially taking in to consideration that my work with them was as a substance abuse professional and in the State of Washington, if they chose to further address the issue I would have to refer them or in involuntary situations, make the referral anyways to mental health.