Let's Dare to Be Vulnerable: Crossing the Self-Disclosure Rubicon

Physician self-disclosure is frequently employed intentionally to establish rapport, cultivate trust and reciprocity, convey empathy, offer hope and reassurance, or strengthen the credibility of clinical recommendations. Self-disclosure of mental health issues is very personal and is considered to be outside the scope of the patient-physician relationship. This narrative tells my story as a primary care physician trying to help a patient having anxiety and depression. As part of our ongoing motivational discussions, I shared my personal history of mental health issues. Does self-disclosure enhance client-patient rapport and treatment success, or does it hinder such processes?In this case, my self-disclosure successfully overcame impasses in the patient's treatment. Relevant self-revelation accelerated therapy and encouraged my patient to comply with his medication treatment.