Exploring self-disclosure between the survivor-therapist and survivor-clients: An autoethnography of the value of ‘sisterhood’ between female survivors of sexual violence

Abstract

Background: This autoethnographic study explores the interrelationships between self-disclosure and working as a survivor-therapist with clients who are also survivors of sexual violence. Themes explored include post-traumatic growth of the author in relation to two occurrences of therapy and within the training experience, the concept of sisterhood between female survivors, and impact of self-disclosure from the survivor-therapist. Aim: The aim was to explore how survivor-therapist self-disclosure might impact the therapeutic experience for clients identifying as survivors. Methodology: An autoethnographic three-phased approach was created to collate and analyse data from the author's personal and reflective journals, spanning the journey from client to qualified therapist. Themes analysed were as follows: “post-traumatic growth,” “sisterhood” and “self-disclosure.”. Findings: This research demonstrates the value of sisterhood between female identifying survivors of sexual violence and highlights the implicit “knowing” that may deepen the therapeutic relationship where therapist self-disclosure is used judiciously in service of the client. Implications: The research is situated in contribution to an existing dialogue, and recommendations are made for practice improvement and towards generation of ongoing research within a wider social narrative.