ACT in the Pub (Melbourne): Therapist Self-Disclosure in ACT with Julia Nicholls

Over the years, therapist self-disclosure has been a hotly contested topic across different therapeutic modalities. In ACT however, therapist self-disclosure plays a central role in the intervention. Despite numerous ACT textbooks advocating for the use of therapist self-disclosure, the ACT scientific literature has been remarkably quiet on the topic. In this talk, Dr Nicholls will cover the current state of affairs with regard to what the general therapeutic literature says on therapist self-disclosure. She will then talk about why therapist self-disclosure is used in ACT and the potential benefits to your clients. Through applied examples, Julia will demonstrate different ways ACT practitioners can thoughtfully use therapist self-disclosure in your practice. She will also highlight what you need to hold in mind before you decide that now is the time to disclose.

After the talk, attendees are welcomed to stay on at the venue and eat dinner together, and to make new connections or refresh old ones.

Our ACT in the Pub talks are a great opportunity to network with members of your local ACBS chapter and the ACT community, as well as learning new perspectives and approaches to utilising and thinking about ACT. Newcomers to the event, community, and to ACT are welcome!

About the presenter

Dr Julia Nicholls is a senior clinical psychologist who co-ordinates the Psychological Interventions for Psychosis Service at Alfred Health in Melbourne. As part of this role, she is involved in research, training and supervision. She has a keen interest in ACT for psychosis and is a strong advocate for increasing access to psychological therapy for people with psychosis. Julia has presented at a number of conferences on the topic of therapist self-disclosure in ACT for psychosis and is currently conducting research in this area. She is on the board of the Australian branch of the International Society for Psychological and Social approaches to Psychosis. Julia is also an active clinician, delivering therapy in private practice and at the Community Care Unit at Alfred Health.