Self Disclosure

Self disclosure and Alopecia and being a therapist. To tell the story or not to. Our class the other evening was about self disclosure as a therapist and it got me to thinking about how I self disclose and how much. I easily self disclose, and I realize that I want to be an advocate for change by using personal narrative but is it "change for community"? Or is it a need to voice who I am- to prove my "existence" and presence? As a future therapist I want to make sure I find appropriate self care as well as outlets to share my story. Tying in my story/ self disclosing with clients only when see fit that would benefit the clients work/ treatment. I have to remember that, I could see how easy it would be to have the client's story personally relate with yours- and want to shout excitedly back "oh me too! me too. I know how you feel!" But understanding and allowing the person to be in the room with what they are going through can be a beautiful process, sight, and testimony to mental/ emotional healing.

I have been thinking about thesis work as well. I have the words: Alopecia and art therapy bouncing in my head. I was discussing with my counselor about my concern for writing a thesis around Alopecia, would be A) Personal bias and B) Is it a need to do this to figure out something on my journey of healing? Or is this something of research towards change to affect positively on my community? And I guess the fact I am aware of personal bias in this is a good thing. But I want to remember if I write and research on Alopecia, find the personal meaning to it, cherish it- but don't let my personal journey of hair loss stop the possibility to help awareness, to change the system- that needs to be changed especially when it comes to medical care costs and Alopecia Areata.

Thirdly, I watched The King's Speech last night. AMAZING! I see why it won awards. It was so much more than a man with a speech impediment it was about something everyone must find: their voice. I loved it- I recommend it.