What is an appropriate approach to sharing personal recovery stories with clients?

• A. Tell your entire story at every session
• B. Never share any personal information
• C. Share only relevant experiences and avoid dominating the conversation
• D. Share only after the client asks for it

Answer: (C)

Sharing personal recovery stories works best when it serves the client's recovery journey. Use self-disclosure purposefully: relate only experiences that are relevant to what the client is dealing with, and keep the focus on helping the client gain insight, hope, and practical coping strategies. This keeps the conversation client-centered and prevents the peer’s story from dominating the session. It also models recovery without overwhelming the client or shifting attention away from their needs.

In practice, be concise, gauge the client’s readiness, and ensure your disclosure adds value to the discussion. You can share more if it clearly contributes to the client's goals, but avoid oversharing or steering sessions with personal anecdotes. If a client asks for your story, you may share in that moment, but continue to maintain boundaries and keep the primary focus on the client.