The Shadow Side of Self-Disclosure

Abstract

The author, having through hiding and disguise survived the Holocaust in Poland, discusses the risks and potential negative consequences of uncritical self-disclosure. Developmentally, most of us have had adequate reasons to learn to protect central parts of ourselves, not only from others but also from our own consciousness. Uncritical self-disclosure can be harmful to ourselves as well as to others. At times, too early self-disclosure of fresh and still new inner movements can abort their growth. The author argues that responsible self-disclosure, that carefully considers "what, to whom, and for what purpose," is a mark of maturity, and needs to be validated and respected even in the context of psychotherapy.