Ethical Considerations in the Clinical Use of Self-Disclosure

Contemporary discourse on self-disclosure frequently emphasizes enactment, dismissing the possibility of formulating effective guidelines for deliberate use. This perspective contradicts existing literature and raises ethical questions about both disclosing and withholding the therapist’s countertransference. The view that it is impossible to determine what or when to disclose due to the uniqueness of each dyadic relationship positions enactment as purer communication because it is unconscious and spontaneous. However, this stance is inconsistent with both case reports and empirical research on disclosure. This presentation examines overlooked aspects of the literature and challenges over-reliance on enactment, highlighting associated ethical dilemmas. Research findings on therapist disclosure, clinical examples, and evidence-based guidelines for its use will be presented.