Under what condition can a nurse use self-disclosure with a client?

Using self-disclosure in the nursing context, particularly in psychiatric settings, must always prioritize the therapeutic relationship and goals for the client. When self-disclosure is used to achieve a specific therapeutic goal, it can facilitate a deeper understanding of the client's experience or emotions, enhance rapport, and foster trust.

This means that self-disclosure should be intentional, focusing on how it benefits the client's therapeutic process. For instance, sharing a personal experience may help the client feel less isolated in their struggles or motivate them to express their feelings. However, the primary purpose remains the client's welfare rather than the nurse's personal comfort or need for connection.

In contrast, other options, such as using self-disclosure for the nurse's personal comfort or simply because the nurse feels it is appropriate without a clear therapeutic goal, fail to consider the potential impact on the client's therapeutic journey. Likewise, sharing relatable personal experiences can be effective at times, but when it is not tied to a specific therapeutic purpose, it can detract from the focus on the client's needs. Therefore, aligning self-disclosure with a therapeutic goal ensures that the client's interests are prioritized, making it the appropriate condition for such a practice.