Theory and research have suggested that counselor self-disclosure can be an effective technique if used for purposes that benefit the client. This study examined variables that might bear on the appropriateness of counselor self-disclosure, such as reported reasons for disclosing and reported content of disclosures. Possible differences in disclosure as a function of gender, ethnic origin, and theoretical orientation of participants were also examined. Participants (N=184) were practicing counselors who were members of the American Psychological Association. No significant differences in self-disclosure were found when comparing therapists of different genders or ethnic backgrounds. Psychoanalytic practitioners reported using significantly less disclosure than humanistic therapists. Counselors seemed to be clear about rejecting some reasons to use self-disclosure (e.g., increasing expertness, attractiveness, trustworthiness, or because the client desires it). Most often they said they disclosed to model appropriate client behaviors, or to increase similarity between the counselor and client. The content of disclosure, as reported by participants, appeared to be appropriate. Participants disclosed most about professional issues and least about sexual issues. The vast majority of respondents did not see themselves as motivated to increase the client's perception of expertness, yet the most commonly reported content of disclosure concerned professional issues such as training and professional degree which would seem to directly effect expertness. (ABL)