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AIM To describe a protocol that examines the feasibility and effectiveness of a face-to-face guided self-disclosure intervention for facilitating benefit finding and other related psychological outcomes for breast cancer patients. BACKGROUND Benefit finding can promote a positive attitude among patients facing disease. However, limited studies have focused on improving benefit finding among breast cancer patients. Previous research has been based on group interventions, which may not suit all patients. Self-disclosure was recognized as a strong predictor of benefit finding. This protocol is based on a brief face-to-face disclosure intervention to improve benefit finding for breast cancer patients. DESIGN A non-blinded randomized controlled trial. METHODS A total of 154 patients with breast cancer who have undergone radical mastectomy will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will participate in a 6-session face-to-face individual intervention, or the control group at a ratio of 1:1. Baseline assessments will take place after the breast cancer diagnosis, with follow-up assessments at 3, 6 and 9 months after baseline. The primary outcome is benefit finding; other outcomes are self-disclosure, cognitive reappraisal, social support, optimism and medical coping modes. DISCUSSION This study is to design a protocol for guided self-disclosure interventions to promote benefit finding in Chinese breast cancer patients. If this intervention is feasible and effective, it could be implemented in clinical practice. IMPACT This study will provide useful advice for health professionals to guide breast cancer patients in benefit finding during stressful events. If it is effective, it will be implemented broadly in clinical practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.