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.