Quote:
Originally Posted by RTerroni
I was wondering if anyone thinks that it's a good idea (or has done it before) to not only know some personal information about your Therapist but to actually discuss some of it with him/her (without mentioning exactly how you found it) often using something to transition into it. I personally think that it is (and have done it before) because it not only shows a sense of realism towards you and your client but also shows that they are like you in some ways and have some of the same interests as you for instance with my Therapist that I saw for 4 years:
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I don't see anything inappropriate with measured self-disclosure by a T when guided by the needs of the client and the therapeutic situation. And I think a client has the freedom to ask any question of a T. But I think the effect on the relationship which results from that is very different from digging up info on a T in order to surreptitiously encourage disclosure. Why not simply ask the questions you want to ask, thereby giving the T the choice of what and how to self-disclose? It seems to me that would encourage a far more open and honest exchange, show greater respect for boundaries, and probably result in more comfort and security in the relationship.
It may be a perfectly understandable feeling, but the focussed and secretive intent on finding out personal info about a T is indicative of deeper needs, and therapy is the place to explore such needs, rather than indulge them without examination.