Problem: Self-disclosure can be a useful tool in a clinical setting or it can blur boundary lines if used incorrectly. While it is a controversial approach, research shows that clients who have counselors who disclose some information about themselves have lower stress levels than those whose counselors do not (Barrett & Berman, 2001). Review Karen's approach below and determine what she could do to utilize self-disclosure in a helpful way. Write a paragraph about your feelings on how she used self-disclosure and write 1-2 sentences on how Karen could have used self-disclosure in a way that would have been more helpful to Joe.
Karen is a counselor in a residential treatment facility. Her client, Joe, shared that he went to jail an altercation he had when he was drunk. Karen responded, "I know what you mean. When I was younger I was almost arrested when I was drunk. I had some crazy times in college!"