Therapist self-disclosure and the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of eating problems |
| |
Authors: | Laura M. Simonds Naomi Spokes |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UKl.simonds@surrey.ac.uk;3. Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, City and Hackney Primary Care Psychotherapy Consultation Service (PCPCS), London, UK |
| |
Abstract: | Evidence is mixed regarding the potential utility of therapist self-disclosure. The current study modelled relationships between perceived helpfulness of therapist self-disclosures, therapeutic alliance, patient non-disclosure, and shame in participants (n = 120; 95% women) with a history of eating problems. Serial multiple mediator analyses provided support for a putative model connecting the perceived helpfulness of therapist self-disclosures with current eating disorder symptom severity through therapeutic alliance, patient self-disclosure, and shame. The analyses presented provide support for the contention that therapist self-disclosure, if perceived as helpful, might strengthen the therapeutic alliance. A strong therapeutic alliance, in turn, has the potential to promote patient disclosure and reduce shame and eating problems. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|