Are All Therapists Alike? Use of Self in Family Therapy

Abstract

Since most of the existing research within family therapy has been school-specific, a multidimensional viewpoint regarding use of self has been lacking. This study investigated how therapists from various theoretical orientations perceive and make 'use of themselves within therapeutic relationships. All the subjects confirmed that self-awareness is critical to clinical effectiveness and that the professional self cannot be separated from the personal self. As well, the qualities of genuineness, connection-making, encouragement, humor, respect, and trust were consistently relayed as important to clinical relationships. Finally, a continuum of selfdisclosure styles was developed to portray the assorted dimensions related to use of self practices. Variations in these therapists' styles were primarily related to gender, and secondarily to theoretical orientation and clinical experience. Significant personal life events were frequently indicated as creating the largest amount of change in one's tendencies to use self intimately.