THERAPIST SELF-DISCLOSURE (TSD) DURING TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

Abstract

Objectives: This Clinical Perspectives is designed to explore the important considerations around therapist self-disclosure (TSD) when working with youth and their families. The focus will be on TSD during times of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, racial tensions, and political unrest, and on the use of self-disclosure in supervision with trainees. Participants will gain an understanding of the different ways in which TSD is defined and the various ways in which disclosures occur, with an eye toward developmental considerations that make TSD with youth and families unique. We aim to present a framework of TSD as it pertains to child and adolescent psychiatric care. Methods: This Clinical Perspectives will include an introduction to TSD, the various ways in which TSD occurs, and developmental considerations that make TSD with youth unique, as well as a proposed set of guidelines and factors to consider when considering TSD with youth and families. There will be 4 presenters focusing on TSD as it applies to the therapist’s experience with COVID-19, politics, race, and use/instruction of self-disclosure in supervision with trainees, with time given for a discussant to reflect on this subject and a question-and-answer portion. Results: Therapists’ experiences with illness and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, political orientation, and racial considerations come up in clinical work with youth and families. In particular, over the last 18 months, youth and families may have elicited guidance on topics that are not traditionally part of their mental health treatment. Despite the frequency of TSD, there is limited discourse and guidance to help clinicians navigate TSD. Both trainee and practicing therapists have been shown to underreport TSD, which can create and perpetuate clinical blind spots. The challenging events of the 2020 and 2021 calendar years presented unique opportunities for therapists to self-disclose around shared uncertainties with their patients and families. Conclusions: The past 18 months have presented unique opportunities for therapists to tackle self-disclosure. As such, it is imperative that therapists are cognizant of the myriad ways in which disclosures occur, and that they have a framework by which to navigate self-disclosure, as well as ways in which to promote discussion of TSD with trainees. P, CUL, DEV