By
Barry A. Farber, PhD
Traditionally, the therapeutic relationship has been characterized as one in which the patient divulges everything about him- or herself, while the therapist acts as a blank slate, revealing nothing. Yet as Barry A. Farber shows in this highly readable book, this characterization does not describe what really happens in therapy. Drawing on empirical research as well as theory and clinical experience, Farber comprehensively explores the nature of self-disclosure by both therapists and patients, its role in the therapeutic process, and ways practitioners from any orientation can make optimal use of it and navigate typical dilemmas and challenges.
Following an introductory overview that highlights the reasons why disclosure is currently such a prominent issue across different schools of psychotherapy, chapters focus in turn on the perspectives of patients and therapists. Farber presents extensive data on patterns of disclosure and reflects on the benefits and costs of sharing personal material in a variety of clinical situations. Rich with detailed case material, the book tackles such compelling questions as:
A separate chapter discusses supervision, covering how supervisors and supervisees decide what to share with each other, what kinds of disclosures each is likely to find helpful or unhelpful and how this issue affects the quality of the alliance and the work that is accomplished.
Written in a clear, down-to-earth style, this concise volume addresses a topic of central concern for psychotherapists and counselors from all professional backgrounds including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, family therapists, clinical social workers, addiction counselors, pastoral counselors, and school psychologists.
Barry A. Farber, PhD, received his degree in clinical psychology from Yale University. Currently he is a professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has twice served as chair of the Counseling and Clinical Psychology Department at Teachers College, and has been the program coordinator and director of training in the Clinical Psychology Program since 1990. Dr. Farber serves on the editorial boards of several professional journals, and maintains a small private practice of psychotherapy in Mamaroneck, New York. His three previous books include the coedited volume The Psychotherapy of Carl Rogers: Cases and Commentary. Dr. Farber has written articles on stress and burnout, psychological-mindedness, therapist and patient representations, career motivations of therapists, and the therapist as an attachment figure. He is currently working on a book about psychologically astute rock and roll lyrics.
| 1. | Explain the positive aspects of self-disclosure in general. |
| 2. | Describe and explain what issues patients tend to avoid discussing in psychotherapy. |
| 3. | Describe the controversy over the alleged benefits of self-disclosure in psychotherapy, and the research which supports it. |
| 4. | Explain the classical position on psychotherapist disclosure. |
| 5. | Explain the difference between factual self-disclosure and self involving counterfertransference disclosure. |
| 6. | Explain the guidelines to follow for when a psychotherapist may refrain from disclosure and instead, should remain silent. |
| 7. | Explain the reasons for supervisor self-disclosure in clinical supervision. |
| 1 | The Nature of Self-Disclosure |
| 2 | Clinical Perspectives on Patient Disclosure |
| 3 | Research Perspectives on Patient Disclosure |
| 4 | Patient Disclosure: the Outcome Controversy |
| 5 | Multicultural Perspectives on Patient Disclosure |
| 6 | Historical Perspectives on Therapist Disclosure |
| 7 | Research Perspectives on the Therapist Disclosure |
| 8 | Clinical Perspectives on Therapist Disclosure |
| 9 | Supervisee and Supervisor Disclosure |
| 10 | Conclusions |
| References | |
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"Excellent coverage of subject. Farber's text will remain a useful reference for years." - J.G., MFT, CA |
"Really good! Helpful!" - J.M., COUNSELOR, RN, CA
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