To tell or not to tell: The disclosure of events in the therapist's life to the patient

Happy or disturbing events may occur in a therapist's life during the course of treatment that intrude on the therapeutic process whether or not their true nature is disclosed to the patient. Therapists are not immune from experiencing acute, chronic, and even terminal illnesses, divorce, remarriage, adopting a child, mourning the death of a parent or significant other, or major accomplishments. In many instances such events affect the treatment process by disrupting appointments, necessitating sudden absences, restricting a therapist's emotional availability and physical stamina, or altering the therapist's mood and affect. In other instances, patients may be aware of such events, at least unconsciously, because of subtle changes in the therapist. Drawing on self psychology and intersubjectivity this paper explores the reasons for therapist self-disclosure of these events based on an assessment of the patient's developmental needs and the nature of the transference. It will discuss ways of making such disclosures therapeutic.