Paper Session B
2. Issues of Self-disclosure
Presenter: |
Martin S. Livingston, PhD |
Discussant: |
Dorienne Sorter, PhD |
Self Psychology Page | 23rd Conference Program
Overview
The analyst as a specific human person with needs and individual characteristics was originally seen as potentially an interference. The issue of to what extent the analyst can or should remain relatively inexpressive and anonymous raises significant fears when extreme positions are taken. Careless self_disclosure poses the danger of flooding the session with the analyst's feelings, needs, and opinions, thus overwhelming or burdening the patient. On the other hand, any approach to the analyst's subjectivity that focuses on controlling or eliminating his or her personhood, runs the risk of reducing emotional availability, responsiveness, and spontaneity.
Also, it is not just the effect of the disclosure at the particular moment that should be considered. Perhaps, the most important effect of therapist self disclosure or non-disclosure, is the effect it has on the analytic relationship over time. It is not the narrow issue of self disclosure that is most important. I would like to propose that it is the emotional and relational availability of the analyst, and his willingness to accept that analysis is a mutually vulnerable experience that is a key factor in facilitating vulnerability and deepening the therapeutic process.