Designer Practice Podcast: A Private Practice Podcast for Therapists and Counsellors 151. Effective Use of Self and Critical Reflexivity in Clinical Practice with Carolyn O'Connor
Jan 13, 2026
Carolyn O'Connor, social worker, researcher and educator focused on clinical practice and reflexivity. She unpacks effective use of self in therapy and what critical reflexivity means. They discuss balancing self-disclosure with client-centered care. Practical strategies like pauses, supervision and journaling for embedding reflexivity are highlighted.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Relationship Drives Most Change
- The therapist's personality, history, presence and blind spots actively shape therapy outcomes.
- The therapeutic alliance accounts for about 30% of client change, far more than techniques alone.
Pause And Ask Why
- Practice intentional and reflective use of self by asking why you pursued a line of inquiry in-session.
- Use self-awareness to promote healing and avoid reinforcing harmful dynamics.
Use Self-Disclosure Purposefully
- Use brief, well-timed self-disclosures to normalize feelings, reduce shame and strengthen connection.
- Regulate your affect, check expectations, and immediately return focus to the client after disclosing.