Client reactions to counselor self-disclosing and self-involving statements

The purpose of this study was to examine client reactions to four types of counselor disclosures: positive self-disclosing statements (PSDs), negative self-disclosing statements (NSDs), positive self involving statements (PSIs), and negative self-involving statements (NSIs). Sixteen males and 16 females discussed a real personal concern during a 20-25 minute videotaped counseling session with a counseling psychologist. Using Interpersonal Process Recall, the client and researcher then watched the videotape. The researcher stopped the tape after the four counselor disclosures, one reflection, and one question. Clients rated the statements for helpfulness, comfort, appropriateness, relational status, and type of reaction.

PSIs and PSDs were rated as more helpful than NSDs, NSIs, reflections, and questions. PSIs received higher comfort ratings than NSDs, NSIs, questions, and reflections. PSDs received higher comfort ratings than NSIs and questions. There were no significant differences in client perceptions of appropriateness or relational status in response to the counselor disclosures, reflections, and questions.

Differences were found among the types of reactions that clients reported. PSDs and PSIs were the most likely statements to help clients feel supported and more hopeful. Over one-half of the clients felt closer to the counselor after NSDs and PSDs. Most clients felt understood after the counselor made NSDs, PSDs, PSIs, and reflections. NSIs and reflections were the most likely statements to result in better self-understanding. No gender differences were found.