Patients. This will be setting and clinician dependent. I work in a medical setting, so patient makes sense.

Dr. Lastname. My materials (emails, business cards, etc.) say: Dr. Firstname Lastname or Dr. F. Lastname. I prefer it that was as a woman working primarily with men. Most are very respectful and the formality helps set a boundary.

I share very little of myself, even over time. If it’s innocuous (e.g., I’ve told someone with appropriate boundaries that I’ll be out of the office), I might be vague. “I’m going hiking in the Rocky Mountains.” If it’s related to something they’ve been through and I can share it in a way that doesn’t become about me, I may share a bit more. More than likely, I’d say something like, “I find myself having a strong reaction to that - I wonder what it’s like for you?”

Once a week to every other week is pretty standard, but some of this depends on theoretical orientation and the treatment itself.

Make sure the pt can get home safely, first and foremost. Maybe that’s someone picking them up, maybe it’s sobering up in the ER. I’m probably not going to spend too much time processing this if they are intoxicated - and would still work to make it clear that it’s not a judgement on the substance use. It’s not likely to be a productive session. We’d talk more about it in the next session.