Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Violence
A Professional Guide & Toolkit for Counsellors and Mental Health Practitioners
Why This Course
When a client discloses sexual violence, those first few moments can shape their healing journey. This comprehensive downloadable resource gives counsellors the confidence, structure, and sensitivity needed to respond safely, ethically, and with compassion.
Learn how to stay grounded, protect client autonomy, follow safeguarding law, and know exactly what to do next — without panic or confusion.
What’s Included
Full written guide covering:
- Understanding what “disclosure” really means and how it occurs in therapy.
- How to respond in-the-moment using the 5 Rs Framework(Receive, Reassure, Respect, Risk, Refer).
- Trauma-informed principles for safe, empowering practice.
- Step-by-step Referral Pathways and professional boundaries.
- Record Keeping, Confidentiality & Safeguarding procedures explained.
- Supporting Yourself as the Professional – recognising vicarious trauma and using supervision effectively.
Practical Tools & Worksheets:
- Immediate Disclosure Response Checklist
- Grounding Toolkit Worksheet(client-facing)
- Referral Pathway Map(editable)
- Disclosure Record Template with example notes
- Self-Care Plan Worksheet for counsellors
- Five Real-Life Case Studies with reflection questions
Who It’s For
- Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists working in private practice, organisations, or training placements.
- Trainee counsellors seeking clarity on how to respond to sensitive disclosures ethically and confidently.
- Supervisors, tutors, and wellbeing leads supporting counsellors in training.
Why You’ll Value It
Because being trusted with a disclosure of sexual violence is both a privilege and a responsibility. This resource gives you the skills, language, and structure to respond with calm professionalism — protecting both your client and yourself.