Appropriate Therapeutic Disclosures in Improving Client Engagement in Mental Health Management

INTRODUCTION: As psychiatrists, we are taught not to disclose and to present a blank canvas to the client Should mental health professionals be reconsidering this stance if aiming to effectively manage their clients who live in a world that promotes vulnerability and lived experience as powerful therapeutic strategies? OBJECTIVES: Promote mental health and remove the shame and stigma limiting client engagement by advocating for ‘real’ psychiatrists METHODS: Discuss therapeutic disclosure and its history. The impact of social media and current trends in mental health promotion. Suggestions for improving client engagement through reclaiming the expert role in mental health promotion and the value of sharing lived experience within professional boundaries. To. RESULTS: Clients improve communication and openness. Mental health engagement promoted and encouraged. CONCLUSIONS: Clients respond favourably to psychiatrist vulnerability and authenticity with therapeutic disclosures DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared