Bottrill, S.; (2008) Experiences of clinical psychology trainees in the use of therapist self-disclosure. Doctoral thesis , University of London.

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Abstract

The present review examines the empirical evidence concerning the impact of therapist self-disclosure on the therapeutic relationship in individual therapy. Twenty studies were reviewed: 11 investigated therapeutic interactions and nine looked at either clients' or therapists' perceptions of the impact of therapist disclosure. Studies of therapeutic interaction suggest that disclosure can play a positive role in developing and maintaining the alliance, although some studies suggest a negative impact. Studies of clients' and therapists' perceptions emphasise the subtle and often mixed impacts of disclosure, highlighting the importance of therapist skill in delivery and the context in which it occurs. Overall, the findings reflect the inherently complex effects of disclosure and the interactional nature of the alliance. Limitations of the research (such as unclear and inconsistent definitions and the challenge of finding appropriate methodology) and clinical implications are discussed.

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