Therapist Self-Disclosure Through Clients’ Eyes: A Qualitative Study in a Non-Western Context

Abstract

Therapist self-disclosure remains a debated topic in psychotherapy, viewed as either a boundary violation or a relational tool. This study explored how therapist self-disclosure is experienced by clients in the Turkish cultural context, where relational norms and perceptions of therapeutic authority shape interpretations. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 adult clients who had experienced therapist self-disclosure in individual therapy. Thematic analysis revealed two domains: facilitative and disruptive consequences, along with ambivalent experiences where initial benefits later undermined the therapeutic relationship. Facilitative experiences included building trust, enhancing empathy, normalizing experiences, and strengthening communication. Disruptive experiences involved blurred boundaries, emotional burden, questioning therapist credibility, and confusion about intentions. These findings highlight the culturally embedded nature of therapist self-disclosure, showing it can be both beneficial and problematic depending on context, while emphasizing non Western client perspectives and underscoring the need for culturally responsive practice.