The Use of Self-Disclosure: Lived Experiences of Recovering Substance Abuse Counselors

This phenomenological investigation explored the lived experiences of recovering substance abuse counselors regarding their use of self-disclosure of their personal histories of addiction with clients in counseling for substance abuse related issues. A total of 10 recovering counselors were interviewed and asked to describe in detail their uses of self-disclosure, changes in frequencies, amount, and rationale for use or nonuse of self-disclosure. The interviews were analyzed for patterns in recovering counselors' lived experiences related to self-disclosure, and themes related to rationale for and against the use of self-disclosure, benefits, and drawbacks of self disclosure were identified.