For Family Lawyers | Beyond Crisis™ Professional Resource Series Trauma-Informed Tip #2
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
What could I understand when my client minimizes what happened?
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A female client who has experienced sexual trauma may describe what happened in a way that appears to downplay the impact or seriousness of her experience.
This may leave Family Law Lawyers wondering why a client is minimizing something that appears significant.
Survivors may minimize their experiences for many reasons, including fear of consequences, concerns about their children, shame, financial circumstances, ongoing relationships, or uncertainty about how to understand what happened.
A trauma-informed approach means recognizing that the way a survivor describes her experience may be influenced by the complex circumstances surrounding the sexual trauma.
It does not mean making assumptions about the facts of a case.
It means approaching conversations with curiosity, respect, and an awareness that disclosure and meaning-making can be complicated after sexual trauma.
Supporting your client through the legal process and providing space for specialized sexual trauma counselling are different roles—but they can work together.
When appropriate, collaboration with a trauma-informed counselling provider specializing in sexual abuse and sexual assault may offer additional support for female survivors as they navigate the mental health impacts of sexual trauma.
About the Author
Nada Johnson, BA, MSW, RSW, is the founder and Clinical Director of Beyond Crisis™, a specialized counselling service providing trauma-informed online counselling for teen girls (14+) and women across Ontario, Canada who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault.
Professional Collaboration
Beyond Crisis™ welcomes collaboration with family law lawyers and other professionals supporting female survivors of sexual trauma.
If your client may benefit from specialized sexual trauma counselling, we welcome referrals and opportunities to collaborate in supporting her healing journey.
To discuss referrals or connect with our team, please contact us at info@nadajohnsonservices.com
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and professional development purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical supervision, legal advice, medical advice, or professional judgment. Providers should apply their own expertise, ethical standards, and applicable policies when supporting survivors.
