Self-disclosure is a tool used by mental health professionals for several reasons – It can connect with a patient, normalize a behavior, or offer motivation. However, there are ethical considerations that come with self-disclosure, the most important of which is how this information will impact the patient and treatment. Some therapists who specialize in treating people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have personal experience with the disorder, including lived experience. Some choose to keep this information private, while others share certain details with specific patients, and others are “out” publicly. Many questions go into making this decision, which can impact clinicians not only personally but professionally.

In this session, three OCD specialists who have the disorder themselves will discuss their experiences, including considerations in whether to self-disclose, how much to tell, the positive experiences they’ve had from their decision (as well as any negative feedback or comments), and things they didn't think to consider before self-disclosing. The goal of this session isn't to convince professionals with OCD to be open or silent about their diagnosis, but simply to have a conversation about the ethical realities of the experience and what to consider if therapists want to be public about their status.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the ethical challenges associated with self-disclosure
2. Evaluate if self-disclosure about one's past or present lived experiences with OCD might be beneficial or harmful in specific clinical and/or professional situations
3. Describe three strategies to repair the therapeutic relationship and process if self-disclosure has negative impacts