For Family Lawyers | Beyond Crisis™ Professional Resource Series Trauma-Informed Tip #4
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
What could I understand when my client struggles to make decisions?
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A female client who has experienced sexual trauma may appear uncertain, overwhelmed, or have difficulty identifying what she wants during the legal process.
This may leave Family Law Lawyers wondering why a client is struggling to provide clear direction or make decisions.
Survivors may experience challenges with decision-making because of fear, ongoing stress, concerns about consequences, previous experiences of having their choices taken away, or feeling overwhelmed by the legal and emotional impact of their circumstances.
A trauma-informed approach means recognizing that decision-making can feel complex after sexual trauma.
It does not mean making decisions on behalf of a client or reducing her autonomy.
It means creating space for questions, providing clear information, and supporting informed choice within your professional role as her Family Law Lawyer.
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.
