Date of Award

2-18-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Winston Seegobin

Second Advisor

Leihua Edstrom

Third Advisor

Elliott Lawless

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore factors that relate to use of therapeutic self-disclosure (TSD) within a client-therapist relationship. Primarily utilizing grounded theory, this research study explores the role of professional affiliation, culture, and theoretical orientation on psychotherapists use of therapeutic self-disclosure. Participants included 13 licensed psychotherapists with varying therapy degrees, theoretical orientations, and cultural backgrounds. Each clinician was interviewed on their use of TSD within their clinical practice. Those with psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theoretical orientations expressed more hesitance to disclose than those with a primarily CBT theoretical orientation. Despite this, there were similarities in motivations for use of TSD, considerations made when using TSD, concerns with use of TSD, suggestions for successful use of TSD, and training experiences in use of TSD found within the themes. Six out of seven psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapists responded that they found TSD to be helpful “sometimes” while all four CBT therapists responded that they found TSD to be helpful “often.”

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