Self-disclosure is when the counselor shares personal thoughts or experiences with the client for the purpose of helping the client. Self-disclosure can be a powerful skill when it helps normalize, empathize, or learn a new skill. A counselor must be mindful of boundaries and ensure the focus remains on the client. Counselors should always consider their motives before engaging in self-disclosure.
In this example, a client shares about low self-confidence in her counseling internship. The unskillful counselor shares an experience that doesn’t seem to offer any value to the session. The skillful counselor shares in a way that appears to normalize the client’s experience and help her feel understood.