Self-disclosure: the invaluable grey area

Abstract

Self-disclosure can be valuable in therapeutic relationships, although practitioners may feel apprehension around boundaries and worry what may be appropriate. This article asserts the importance of critical thinking around self-disclosure, emphasising that while there is no clear ‘right and wrong’, what is necessary in professional practice is to carefully consider its purposeful use. Discussion using evidence and clinical examples is framed within a model that may be used to aid reflection on the use of self-disclosure within the therapeutic relationship. Self-disclosure is a grey area, but its use in mental health nursing can be invaluable.