Self-disclosure in counseling must be:

Self-disclosure in counseling is most effective when it is relevant and beneficial to the client. This means that any personal information shared by the counselor should serve a clear purpose in aiding the client's understanding of their own issues or obstacles. Relevant self-disclosure can help establish trust and rapport, demonstrate empathy, and provide a relatable perspective that may facilitate the client's therapeutic process.

When disclosures are beneficial, they allow clients to feel that the counselor is not only a trained professional but also a human being who understands certain struggles. This can create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their own experiences. The goal of self-disclosure is to enhance the therapeutic relationship and ultimately support the healing and growth of the client.

While self-disclosure can serve valuable functions in therapy, frequent or overly personal disclosures may shift focus away from the client’s needs, and disclosures that are completely open and detailed may overwhelm or confuse clients. Minimizing or avoiding self-disclosure altogether can hinder the development of a genuine therapeutic relationship. Thus, the essence lies in ensuring that any disclosure is intentional, purposeful, and aligned with the client's therapeutic goals.