To Share or Not to Share: Self-Disclosure Best Practices for Mental Health Providers
Therapists are people too... so when (if ever) should we share that with our clients?
Share or Nah?Course Overview
This training dives into the dos and don'ts of self-disclosure in therapy. Learn about research on self-disclosure, different types of disclosure, and how to make ethically sound, clinically useful choices about when to speak up or stay silent.
This Course Is For You If…
- You are actively practicing and want to refine or rethink your use of self-disclosure in clinical work.
- You are an intern, student, or associate still shaping your professional identity and clinical decision-making.
- You want CEs that are clinically relevant and affirming.
- You train or supervise other clinicians and want to guide discussions around ethical, effective self-disclosure.
What You’ll Walk Away With
Dana M. Cea (she/they)
Prior to becoming a licensed mental health clinician, Dana was a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Self-disclosure is a key part of being a peer support specialist. During her masters program, Dana found that self-disclosure can be taboo for licensed mental health clinicians. Dana has continued to use self-disclosure as a key therapeutic method in their work. She hopes mental health clinicians can appreciate the benefits of using self-disclosure ethically.
“Together, we can make this field better for both clients and clinicians.”
Course Preview
Discover how modern ethical practices shape the counselor's approach to self-disclosure in clinical settings.
Course Description: Due to the influences of Sigmund Freud in the mental health field, counselor self-disclosure – including making facial expressions in session – has been considered detrimental to the therapeutic relationship and therapy services. However, over the past decade, research on counselor self-disclosure has indicated more benefits than drawbacks. There has also been a focus in the research on counselor self-disclosure best practices. While counselor self-disclosure is not directly addressed in the ACA Code of Ethics, there are several standards that can be applied to a counselor’s decision to share or not to share. What types of self-disclosure are there? What are some of the benefits to self-disclosure? And which ethical standards can help us guide our decisions to share or not to share?
Learning Objectives:
- Recall at least three types of counselor self-disclosure
- Understand around four benefits of counselor self-disclosure
- Apply about five ethical standards to using counselor self-disclosure
Choose the Best Option for You
FAQ
For on demand products you will complete the training then submit a quiz and survey. If you pass the quiz, a certificate will be available for you almost immediately. For live events you will be given a link to a survey. After receiving your survey submission, a certificate will be emailed to you within ten days.
All major forms of payment are accepted through our checkout process. If you have any issues, questions, or concerns, please let us know.
For any course, simply increase the quantity to the number of seats you need to purchase. When purchasing more than one seat, the buyer will not be automatically enrolled in the product. However, they can enroll using the link provided after the purchase. After the purchase is successfully completed, the buyer is brought to the thank you page with additional seat management options. To get access to their seat, each team member needs to access the course using the invite link. They will be brought directly to the checkout page for the product that they got an invite for, where they will need to create an account (if they do not already have one) to get access to the product. Looking for a group rate? Email us ([email protected]) and let us know!
All refund requests must be made in writing ([email protected]).
On demand products: Full refunds will be given for accidental duplicate purchases or for products that you have not already used. No refunds or credits will be given for products that have been started or completed. If you have a complaint, please see our policy regarding complaints.
Live products: Registrants canceling between two weeks and two full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the original purchase price, including taxes and other fees. Registrants canceling less than two full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 25% of the registration fee subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the original purchase price, including taxes and other fees. No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund. Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
While we hope this never happens, here is our formal policy: Complaints must be made in writing ([email protected]). A representative will follow up on written complaints within 30 days of receiving the complaint. The following information must be included in the written complaint:
(1) The name and contact information for the person making the complaint.
(2) The name and contact information for the person or organization against which the complaint is made.
(3) A detailed written description of the dispute, complaint, or problem.
(4) Reference to the appropriate rule, standard, and/or guidelines related to the matter (if known).
(5) Copies of all related correspondence, records, and other documentation.
(6) Signature of the person making the complaint.
Please email us at [email protected] or call/text us at (919) 960-1646. We will work with you to meet your accommodation needs.
Please email us at [email protected] or call/text us at 919-960-1646. Also visit our main website at home.ccresourcing.us. We look forward to hearing from you! Mailing address: 118 Brookside Way, Pikeville NC 27863.
Let’s Build Ethical Confidence, Together
Ethical practice is a moving target... but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Learning how and when to use self-disclosure helps you grow as a clinician and build deeper, more authentic therapeutic relationships.
Enroll Now & Start Today