A client, Lin has been in counselling for the past 3 months. Lin is struggling with depression and wants to reduce their alcohol consumption. Over the course of treatment, Lin has been successful in managing their symptoms of depression and reducing their alcohol consumption. However, Lin comes to counselling and shared that their 2-year relationship recently ended, and they have been ‘more depressed than ever’ and ‘started to drink a lot.’ Lin expresses feelings of hopelessness and shared that ‘there’s no point continuing counselling.’ The therapist, Jerome is also in recovery from alcohol addiction and had a history of depression, though he no longer struggles with depression.
A. Described whether Jerome should use self-disclosure in this situation and provide a rationale for your decision. (2 points)
B. Highlight the potential benefits and risks of self-disclosure should Jerome decide to self-disclose. (4 points)
C. Prior to deciding whether to self-disclosure, Jerome may want to find out more about Lin’s relationship loss and the impact on their depressive symptoms and alcohol use. (i) Name a type of question Jerome could ask Lin, (ii) provide a concrete example and (iii) give a rationale for using this type of question.