I also think that the whole authenticity things is often overrated. I was very interested in this for a while in the past, studying existential philosophy for example, or artistic expression... But in the context of work and professional performance, who is ever authentic? And what does it mean, really? If we always said out loud what we thought and felt, the whole of society would probably be even a much bigger disaster than it is otherwise... it is not realistic and, I think, would be bad practice in many work contexts, even in personal relationships. And I agree with the comments that often people who feel a need to describe themselves as authentic are the most lost as to what that means and who they are and the most insecure.

I really appreciated what my current T told me once when we were discussing how therapists advertise themselves online etc. He said without being questioned that his website and what he claims online is a marketing strategy and is meant to attract the kind of clientele he likes to work with best. The value and strategy for the work will develop from experience with each patient, and some people want a more professional, business-like treatment, others prefer a more personable approach. Part of the T's job is to recognize these and adjust themselves based on the client's needs, not to be authentic and express their real self.