(What) do you believe?: Therapist spiritual/religious/non-religious self-disclosure. (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Magaldi, Danielle; Trub, Leora
• Is Part Of: Psychotherapy research. Volume 28:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 484
• Page End: 498
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: multicultural counselling competence -- spiritual/religious identity -- self-disclosure; competência de aconselhamento multicultural -- identidade espiritual / religiosa -- auto revelação; multikulturelle Beratungskompetenz -- spirituelle/religiöse Identität -- Selbstoffenbarung; 多元文化諮商能力 -- 靈性/宗教認同 -- 自我揭露; competenza di consulenza multiculturale -- identità spirituale / religiosa -- autosvelamento; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Research -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychothérapie -- Périodiques; Psychothérapie -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2016.1233365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-3307

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Spiritual/religious/non-religious (S/R/N) identity development is often neglected in psychotherapy training and represents an area where psychotherapists feel they lack competence. Such feelings can become even more pronounced when it comes to S/R/N self-disclosure. This study explores the decisions therapists make regarding self-disclosure, which impacts the psychotherapy process.Method: This grounded theory study explores psychotherapists' S/R/N self-disclosure based on qualitative interviews with 21 psychotherapists representing varied theoretical orientations and spiritual, religious, atheist, and agnostic backgrounds.Results: Findings reveal that while some self-disclosure happens on an explicit level, more often psychotherapists find implicit ways to share S/R/N aspects of the self for purposes of enhancing the therapeutic alliance and to convey openness. Psychotherapists also attempt to avoid the topic altogether, either to protect the therapeutic relationship or because of unresolved S/R/N identity in the therapist.Conclusions: Developing skills related to S/R/N self-disclosure represents an important aspect of multicultural competence, which can impact clients' feelings of safety and comfort discussing their own S/R/N identity. This capacity is strongly influenced by the therapist's self-awareness regarding S/R/N identity. Suggestions for engaging S/R/N identity and disclosure in supervisory experiences and academic preparation are discussed.