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.
Ethical Considerations in the Clinical Use of Self-Disclosure
Agenda
- 9:00 am Welcome & Introduction
- 9:10 am Presentation by Dr. Maroda
- 10:15 am Break (not eligible for CE Credit)
- 10:30 am Presentation continued
- 11:45 am Q&A
- 12:15pm Adjourn
Learning Objectives
- Articulate the distinctions made in the research between disclosures focusing on the patient's experience versus the therapist's experience.
- Distinguish which patients are likely to benefit from therapist disclosure and which are not.
- Apply ethical principles to the clinical use of countertransference disclosure.
Meet the Presenter
Karen Maroda, PhD, ABPP
Karen J. Maroda, Ph.D., ABPP, is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Medical College of Wisconsin and in private practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is board certified in psychoanalysis by the American Board of Professional Psychology and a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis. She is a full member of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the International Psychoanalytic Association. Dr. Maroda has authored four books: The Power of Countertransference, Seduction, Surrender and Transformation, Psychodynamic Techniques (1st and 2nd edition), and The Analyst’s Vulnerability, as well as numerous journal articles and book reviews. She serves on the editorial boards of The Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, Psychoanalytic Psychology, and Contemporary Psychoanalysis and lectures and conducts workshops nationally and internationally.
Disclosures
Division 39 is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Division 39 maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
CE Eligibility
This program, when attended in its entirety, is eligible for 3 continuing education credits. Austin Psychoanalytic will provide certificates of attendance to participants who attend the program in full. Austin Psychoanalytic’s continuing education programs are sponsored through Division 39’s APA-approved continuing education program. It is the responsibility of each licensee to verify that a given program meets the continuing education requirements for their specific license. Participants outside of Texas should consult their own licensing boards regarding CE eligibility.
Accessibility, Non-discrimination, and Privacy
Division 39 is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in all continuing education activities and conducts its programs in accordance with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Reasonable accommodations will be made whenever possible for participants with accessibility needs. Questions, concerns, requests for accommodations, or complaints may be directed to info@austinpsychoanalytic.org. Participants are also asked to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others throughout the program.
Financial Disclosure
There is no commercial support for this program. Neither Division 39, Austin Psychoanalytic, nor the presenter has any financial relationships or conflicts of interest that could reasonably be construed as influencing the program content.
Cancellations and Refunds
Registrants may cancel or transfer their registration to another person up to 48 hours before the event from their confirmation email, by logging into their member account if applicable, or by contacting info@austinpsychoanalytic.org. No cancellations, transfers, or refunds will be permitted within 48 hours of the event start time.
Grievances
Austin Psychoanalytic conducts its educational programs in accordance with the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association. Participants with a concern regarding a speaker or a Continuing Education program are asked to submit a written account of the matter to info@austinpsychoanalytic.org. Where a complaint is substantiated, Austin Psychoanalytic will determine an appropriate remedy, which may include placement in a comparable program at no additional cost, a credit toward a future program, or a partial or full refund.