RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Let’s Dare to Be Vulnerable: Crossing the Self-Disclosure Rubicon
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 170
OP 172
DO 10.1370/afm.240310
VO 23
IS 2
A1 Avny, Ohad
A1 Alon, Aya
YR 2025
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/23/2/170.abstract
AB 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.