This webinar investigates the clinical, relational, and ethical complexities surrounding therapist self-disclosure in psychotherapy. Participants will analyze the effects of self-disclosure—both positive and negative—on the therapeutic alliance, treatment outcomes, and boundaries within the therapeutic relationship. Recent research, theoretical perspectives, and practical case examples will be explored, along with strategies for making ethical and culturally sensitive decisions about self-disclosure in diverse clinical settings.

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the clinical and ethical considerations surrounding therapist self-disclosure in mental health care and its impact on the therapeutic relationship.
• Identify factors that contribute to effective and ineffective self-disclosure, including boundary issues and client-specific contexts.
• Examine the effects of self-disclosure on client trust, empathy, engagement, and potential risks to the therapeutic process.
• Apply best practices to utilize or withhold self-disclosure in ways that enhance the therapeutic alliance and promote ethical, culturally responsive care.