SELF-AWARENESS AND
THERAPEUTIC USE OF SELF
SELF-AWARENESS
Is the process of developing an understanding of one’s own values, beliefs,
thoughts, feelings, attitudes, motivations, prejudices, strengths, and
limitations and how this qualities affect others.
Allows the nurse to observe, pay attention to, and understand the subtle
responses and reactions of clients when interacting with them
THERAPEUTIC USE OF SELF
Main tool of the nurse in the practice of psychiatric nursing
Core concept is the positive use of self in the process of the therapy
Nurses must clearly understand themselves to promote client’s growth and
to avoid limiting client’s choices to those that the nurse value
Johari Window
developed by the two American social psychologists Joseph Luft and
Harry Ingham and dates to 1955.
With their first names, Joseph and Harry, serving as inspiration, their
technique became known as the ‘Johari Window’. It is primarily
used to graphically represent self-perception and external perception.
promotes an understanding of the extent to which the image we have
of ourselves coincides with what others have gathered in
communicating with us.
Johari Window
Quadrant 1: open/public
Quadrant 2: blind/unaware self
Quadrant 3: hidden/private self
Quadrant 4: unknown
Self-disclosure:
Revealing personal information such as biographical information and
personal ideas, thoughts, and feelings about oneself to others.
Some purposeful, well-planned, self-disclosure can improve rapport
between the nurse and the client.
May be use to convey support, educate clients, and demonstrate that
anxiety is normal and that many people deal with stress and problems
in their lives.
Self- disclosure may help the client feel more comfortable and
more willing to share thoughts and feelings, or help the client gain
insight into the situation.
Consider cultural factors.
Disclosing personal information to the patient can be harmful and
inappropriate, so it must be planned and considered thoughtfully
in advance.
Spontaneously self-disclosing personal information can have
negative results.
Possible Warnings or Signals of Abuse
of the Nurse-Client Relationship
Secrets; reluctance to talk to others about the work being done
with the client.
Sudden increase in phone calls between the nurse and client calls
outside the clinical hours.
Nurse making exceptions for client than normal.
Inappropriate gift-giving between client and the nurse.
Loaning, trading, or selling goods or possessions.
Nurse disclosure of personal issues or information.
Inappropriate touching, comforting or physical contact.
Overdoing, overprotecting, or overidentifying with the client.
Change in the nurse’s body language, dress or appearance (with
no other satisfactory explanation).
Extended one-on-one sessions or home visits.
Spending off-duty time with the client.
Thinking about the client frequently when away from work.
Becoming defensive if another person questions the nurse’s care
of the client.
Ignoring agency’s policies.
Methods to Avoid Inappropriate
Relationships Between Nurses and Clients
Realize that all staff members, whether male or female, junior or
senior, or from any discipline are at risk for over-involvement or
loss of boundaries.
Assume that boundary violations will occur. Supervisors should
recognize potential “problem” clients and regularly raise the issue
of sexual feelings or boundary loss with staff members.
Provide opportunities for staff members to discuss their dilemmas
and effective ways of dealing with them.
