Are You OVERSHARING With Your Therapy Clients? | E36

Do you talk about yourself too much in therapy?? Therapists, we’ve all been there. You want to connect with your client, show empathy, and maybe even share a bit of your own story to create that bond. But could your personal anecdotes be doing more harm than good? In today's episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, we’re diving into the delicate balance of self-disclosure in therapy. How much is too much, and how do we ensure our personal shares are actually helping, not hurting, our clients' progress? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to draw the line between therapeutic empathy and oversharing, this episode is for you. We'll explore real-life examples where well-meaning therapists let their personal stories take center stage—leading to client disengagement, boundary issues, and even professional consequences. In this episode, I’ll guide you through: 00:53: The ‘Let’s Talk About Me’ Scenario When a therapist’s own grief overshadows their client’s healing process—where the session turns from support to storytelling. 02:51: The Fitness Enthusiast's Misstep How a seemingly helpful share about personal fitness goals left a client feeling inadequate, anxious, and ultimately disconnected. 04:31: Validation Gone Wrong The dangers of seeking client approval—when a therapist inadvertently puts the focus on their own choices rather than the client’s growth. 05:59: Family Drama in Therapy What happens when a therapist's overshare about their own relationship problems creates discomfort and confusion for the client. 07:40: The Rise of Life Coaches and Boundaries How the 'tell-all' culture in amateur coaching differs from the professional standards we as therapists must adhere to. 08:22: Boundaries and Ethical Guidelines: Keeping It Professional A look at the strict ethical codes (APA, ACA) governing self-disclosure and how to use them to maintain your integrity in practice. 11:37: Potential Pitfalls and Client Retention Wondering why clients are ghosting or disengaging? It could be your oversharing. Learn how to spot red flags in your own practice. 17:08: Best Practices for Therapists From seeking consultation to structuring sessions for client feedback, I’ll share actionable steps to ensure your self-disclosure is always in service of the client. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, maintaining clear, professional boundaries is essential for both client outcomes and your own career longevity. Let’s make sure we’re always showing up in the most helpful, effective way for the people who trust us with their growth. Want more? Head over to GrowingSelf.com/therapists for articles, podcasts, and resources to keep you at the top of your game. And hey, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast to get notified when there's a new episode chock full of perspective and tips to support your personal and professional wellbeing as a therapist.  xo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby P.S. Have we connected yet on Linkedin? If not, join the conversation! https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby/