Should therapists self-disclose their own mental health in the public domain?

Abstract

Steph Jones, a pluralistic counsellor and psychotherapist, and Amy Hutson, a humanistic counsellor, debate whether it is appropriate for practitioners from the psychological professions to self-disclose personal issues within the public domain. The discussion explores whether “hiding ourselves” may do more harm than good and considers whether professional anonymity contributes to power imbalances and practitioners being perceived as experts. The debate explores themes around shame, vulnerability, politics, and ethical implications, and questions if professional anonymity unintentionally reinforces mental health stigmatisation and perpetuates the unhelpful conceptual differentiation between so-called “mentally ill” and “normal” individuals. To provide a contextual narrative to the discussion, the two therapists elect to share aspects of their own mental health journeys.