How would you characterize deliberate disclosures by counselors?

• A. Common and typically lead to complaints.
• B. Uncommon and typically lead to complaints.
• C. Common and rarely lead to complaints.
• D. Uncommon and rarely lead to complaints.

Answer: (B)

Deliberate self-disclosure by counselors is uncommon and typically lead to complaints because sharing personal information can blur boundaries and shift the focus away from the client. When a counselor reveals about themselves, it can threaten the therapeutic frame, create a sense of dual relationship, or be seen as manipulating the conversation rather than helping the client. Ethical guidelines emphasize self-disclosure only when it is clearly beneficial to the client, kept brief, highly relevant, and used with careful supervision or informed consent. Because these disclosures are rare and carry a real risk of boundary problems, they are more likely to raise concerns or complaints than other professional practices.