The relationship between a psychiatrist and patient must be different from that between two friends. Friends share problems and concerns with each other because of the mutual give-and-take foundation on which friendships are based.
A psychiatrist-patient relationship is very different. A patient comes to and pays a psychiatrist for professional services. While a psychiatrist is probably going to be more effective by showing some human qualities and not being a completely blank slate, there is still a necessary professional veil that the psychiatrist must wear.
What I was always taught and still believe to be solid advice is that a psychiatrist should not disclose any significant personal information to a patient unless the intent is for that disclosure to help the patient. That’s been a great barometer that I’ve used with myself over the years. If I find myself beginning to talk about my own life, I stop myself and double-check my intentions.
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