When using self-disclosure in a therapeutic setting, what should the nurse prioritize?

In a therapeutic setting, the use of self-disclosure by the nurse should always prioritize ensuring that the disclosure is relevant to the client’s experience. This means that if a nurse chooses to share personal experiences, it should serve a specific purpose related to the client's needs or situation, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding or connection. Relevant self-disclosure can help to build rapport, normalize the client’s feelings, and demonstrate empathy, all of which are crucial for effective therapeutic communication.

When self-disclosure is aligned with the client's situation, it enhances the therapeutic alliance, encourages openness, and helps the client feel understood, without shifting the focus away from their own experiences and struggles. This is what fundamentally supports the healing process in therapy. In contrast, sharing irrelevant or excessive personal information can detract from the client’s needs and may make them feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, which undermines the therapeutic relationship.