What should LPCs limit their self-disclosure to in order to benefit the client?

LPCs should limit their self-disclosure to information necessary for the client's benefit and therapeutic relationship because it ensures that the focus remains on the client's needs, experiences, and therapeutic goals. Purposeful self-disclosure can enhance the therapeutic alliance, foster trust, and provide relevant context for the client's issues. It helps clients feel understood and relates more effectively to their own experiences, but it is crucial that this disclosure serves the client's interests and therapeutic progress.

Using personal anecdotes or sharing beliefs may not always be appropriate and can lead the conversation away from the primary focus of therapy, which is to support the client. Furthermore, sharing irrelevant or excessive details that do not directly contribute to the therapy can obscure the therapeutic process and detract from the client's exploration of their own thoughts and feelings. Thus, maintaining a balance and restricting self-disclosure to what directly benefits the client is essential for effective and ethical counseling practice.