Being on both side of the coin; working in the field and being a patient I think it is vital for a successful t/patient relationship if there is self disclosure. I have literally seen individuals that built such large walls around them break down the moment I self disclosed that I too am suffering from PTSD and that I too was a victim of a crime. It is actually quite beautiful to see such weight lifted off their shoulders. Only then can the real healing begin.

It is much more powerful to say, "I was in your shoes. This is what happened and this is what helped me. Want to try it?" as opposed to "evidence based research suggests that we do this now.."