What term describes the process of using personal experiences to model genuine behavior in a therapeutic setting?

The concept of using personal experiences to model genuine behavior in a therapeutic setting is best described by the term self-disclosure. In the context of social work and therapy, self-disclosure refers to the intentional sharing of personal feelings or experiences by the therapist to foster a deeper connection with the client. This practice can enhance trust and facilitate a more authentic relationship, as clients often feel more comfortable when they perceive their therapist as relatable and genuine.

Self-disclosure can serve various purposes, including normalizing a client's feelings, demonstrating vulnerability, and illustrating that recovery or coping is possible. It allows clients to see their therapist not just as an authority figure, but as a human being who has navigated similar challenges, thereby empowering clients to share their own experiences and feelings more openly.

While empathy involves understanding and being sensitive to a client's feelings, it does not inherently involve sharing one’s own experiences. Boundary-setting is crucial in maintaining a professional relationship and ensuring that the therapeutic space remains focused on the client's needs. Confidentiality refers to the ethical duty to protect client information and is fundamental to effective therapeutic practice, but it does not relate to modeling behavior through personal experiences.