How does disclosing countertransference affect perceptions of the therapist and the session?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Therapist self-disclosure is a complex intervention with potential benefits and drawbacks.
• The impact of therapist self-disclosure is influenced by the nature and context of the disclosure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential effects of therapist disclosures concerning resolved versus unresolved countertransference issues.
• To examine how these disclosures influence client perceptions of the therapist and the therapy session.

Main Methods:

• An analogue study utilizing undergraduate participants (N=116).
• Participants were randomly assigned to view videos of a therapist disclosing either resolved or unresolved personal issues.
• Post-viewing, participants rated the therapist and session on various dimensions.

Main Results:

• Therapist disclosure of more resolved issues led to higher ratings of therapist attractiveness and trustworthiness.
• Resolved disclosures also instilled significantly greater hope in participants compared to unresolved disclosures.
• Therapist expertness, session depth, session smoothness, and perceived client-therapist universality were not affected by the type of disclosure.

Conclusions:

• The resolution status of therapist self-disclosed issues critically impacts client perceptions and therapeutic outcomes.
• Judicious use of self-disclosure, particularly focusing on resolved issues, may enhance the therapeutic alliance and client hope.
• Further research is needed to explore the nuances of therapist self-disclosure in diverse clinical populations.