In this episode we discuss the concept "use of self". We discuss how the therapist can use their own emotional reactions, expectations, and perceptions in their therapeutic relationships. We discuss how this tool opens new opportunities in therapy for self examination and awareness. We explore some practical tools that can help therapists or other group members access this part o themselves and how to tactfully use this information in our intervention and support of our clients. We use a case study to demonstrate how use of self can be used with difficult or ambivalent clients and how it helps our clients gain insight into the needs that are met by thinking and behavior that appear to be self-defeating.
