Self-disclosure within the sport psychologist-athlete relationship

Abstract

This article explores the use of self-disclosure within the sport psychologist-athlete relationship. A summary of prior research relevant to concept definition, contextual factors, and typologies of self-disclosure is provided. The conscious use of self-disclosure as an effective consultancy skill, alongside both the organic and facilitative integration of self-disclosure is discussed. We then position self-disclosure within the dynamics and boundaries of a unique practitioner context, that of the sport psychologist-athlete relationship, using Katz and Hemmings’ (2009) professional relationship framework. This article proposes that future research into self-disclosure explores its integration within published models of best practice for consulting.