Discussion 1: Self-Disclosure Technique

Discussion 1 Self Disclosureself Disclosure Is A Technique That Can B

Discussion 1: Self-Disclosure Self-disclosure is a technique that can benefit the client and you during interviews. There are items that you need to keep in mind for self-disclosure, such as if it is appropriate timing, is it helping the client, or is it focused on you more than the client. Consider this scenario: A client comes in and you are discussing her recent separation. You can tell the client is frustrated and is struggling with adjusting to a new life where the children are living with their father, she is living in a single apartment, and her separation is leading to a divorce. She thought that if they were given space, they would reunite and not go forward with the divorce.

You interrupt: “I completely understand. I am divorced too. We did not have children, but we did try to make it work. I realized I was better off alone. We had nothing in common. I like running, cooking, reading, and taking weekend gateways. My spouse, however, did not like any of those and just wanted to stay at home and watch TV. Our excitement was going out to eat; I would much rather cook a nice meal at home. Everything was about my spouse and we never did what I wanted. I am baffled why we ever got married in the first place”.

To prepare, think about the scenario provided. Consider your thoughts on the appropriateness of what was self-disclosed. As an interviewer, would that be too little, too much, or just enough to share with the client if you were trying to build rapport and trust? Or would you have not shared any of it?

Think about your current professional position or one you’d like to work in the future. Consider when you might and might not use self-disclosure. In addition, think about what interactions you might document with clients. Post the pros and cons of using self-disclosure in various human and social services’ professional settings. Then, discuss the benefits and any limitations of documenting interactions with “clients.”

Paper For Above instruction

Self-disclosure is a strategic communication tool used by professionals in human and social services to foster trust, build rapport, and enhance therapeutic or helping relationships. However, its use requires careful consideration, as it can have both positive and negative implications depending on the context, timing, and nature of the disclosure. This paper examines the ethical and practical considerations surrounding self-disclosure, evaluates the appropriateness of the example scenario, and discusses the implications of documentation in client interactions.

In the scenario provided, the counselor shares personal experiences about their own divorce to connect with a client experiencing separation and divorce. This form of self-disclosure can serve to normalize the client's feelings and foster empathy, potentially strengthening rapport. However, it also risks shifting the focus away from the client, introducing personal biases, or oversharing, which might compromise professionalism. The appropriateness hinges on several factors, including the timing, relevance, and degree of the disclosure.

From an ethical standpoint, counselors must prioritize the client’s needs and boundaries, ensuring that disclosures do not cross professional boundaries. As a rule of thumb, disclosures should be brief, relevant to the client’s experience, and aimed at supporting the client rather than sharing personal information for the counselor's benefit (Gibson & Pope, 2014). In the scenario, the disclosure about being divorced and related personal details might be somewhat helpful in normalizing feelings but could also risk diluting the focus of the session or making the client feel uncomfortable if not handled delicately.

Regarding the amount of disclosure, it generally should be “just enough,” avoiding excessive sharing that may blur boundaries or create confusion. For building rapport, opening up about common human experiences, such as divorce, can be beneficial if done judiciously. Nonetheless, some practitioners advocate for minimal disclosure, emphasizing active listening and empathetic responses over personal sharing (Derlega & Grzelak, 2020).

In terms of professional practice, self-disclosure can be appropriate in various settings, including counseling, social work, psychology, and case management, especially when aiming to humanize the helper and reduce client feelings of isolation. Nonetheless, it is inappropriate when disclosures might bias the helper’s objectivity, interfere with client progress, or violate confidentiality and ethical codes (Kennedy & Kennedy, 2014).

Documenting interactions with clients is a common practice in professional settings and serves multiple purposes, including maintaining case records, ensuring continuity of care, and supporting accountability. While documentation can protect both clients and practitioners, it also raises concerns about confidentiality, privacy breaches, and the potential for misuse of sensitive information. Precise and objective notes should be maintained, avoiding subjective judgments or personal opinions that are not relevant to the client’s case (Koh et al., 2014).

In summary, self-disclosure can be a powerful tool if used thoughtfully and ethically, balancing the need to connect with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. Proper documentation of client interactions is essential for effective service delivery and accountability, but it must be managed carefully to protect client confidentiality and respect their rights.

References

• Derlega, V. J., & Grzelak, J. (2020). Self-disclosure in counseling. In The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology. Wiley.
• Gibson, D., & Pope, R. (2014). Ethical considerations in therapeutic disclosures. Journal of Counseling & Development, 92(1), 91-99.
• Kennedy, P., & Kennedy, R. (2014). Boundaries and ethical issues in social work. Social Work Journal, 22(4), 453-468.
• Koh, J., et al. (2014). Documentation in social services: Ethical practices and challenges. Journal of Social Work, 14(3), 278-290.
• Gordon, S., & Hague, S. (2019). Building rapport through appropriate self-disclosure in counseling. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 32(2), 146-160.
• Knox, S., & Cooper, M. (2018). Boundaries and self-disclosure in therapy. Routledge.
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