Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 23:04:47
In reply to Re: from Ms. Schmidt: therapist self disclosure, posted by Joslynn on February 23, 2004, at 9:11:07
> I am still curious though, what would be your response to the specific questions Dinah asked about therapists revealing sexual attraction etc.?
I cannot judge whether such a disclosure was warranted in any particular situation because I don't know enough about it, therefore I kept my remarks general. However, I would tend to think quite conservatively on this issue for two basic reasons. First, disclosure of sexual attraction may easily move therapy off the main focus of exploration of the client's issues. Because the therapeutic relationship is such an intimate one that such disclosures may easily skew things in an unproductive way. And second, disclosure of sexual attraction is rarely a straightforward and simple matter of yes or no, so that what may be spoken in an effort to open up trust or other issues can become quickly way more complicated and tangled, and may obscure more important matters. No matter what is actually said, much is left unsaid. Exploring why the issue comes up in the way it does and what it means to the client, without direct disclosure, in my experience, is a more therapeutic approach. Another problem is that once such disclosures are made, it is difficult to assess their therapeutic value and actual impact as both therapist and client may rationalize and justify it because it is so complicated and non-straightforward.
Erika Schmidt, LCSW
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:316425
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040303/msgs/320430.html