Episode 52: What Helps Survivors Feel Supported After Disclosing Childhood Trauma?
Peggy Oliveira 
Episode Description:
This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description.
When a trauma survivor confides in you by sharing their experience or story, how you respond can deeply impact their healing journey. With compassion and understanding, disclosure conversations present an incredible healing opportunity. However, even when very well-intentioned. we can unknowingly invalidate survivors’ experiences which can hinder their healing and even reinforce responsibility and shame.
In this episode, I talk about how to authentically and sensitively respond when a childhood trauma survivor discloses their experiences to you. I also share tips on how to validate and support the survivor after a disclosure, as well as tips for survivors on managing expectations and practicing self-care during this vulnerable time.
Whether you might receive a disclosure or are considering sharing your own story, I would love to hear your thoughts.
How was your experience? Do you agree or disagree with anything I said? Is there more you’d like to add?
What not to say to a survivor of childhood trauma: https://youtu.be/8eyhwW2QYJE
Don’t want to wait for the next episode? Head over to my YouTube Channel, PegygOliveiraMSW, with over 300 videos about Impact & Healing from Childhood Trauma.
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This podcast is for informational purposes and is not mental health advice nor a replacement for professional mental health treatment.
Episode Notes:
Peggy Oliveira discusses what to say when someone discloses childhood trauma or abuse to you, emphasizing the importance of expressing belief in what they share and the significance of them choosing to tell you specifically.
She advises receiving a disclosure with care and consideration - ask if you can ask questions rather than rapid-firing them, hold their confidence unless legally required otherwise, and apologize if appropriate in a way that validates their experience.
Peggy notes that hearing about someone's abuse can bring up complicated feelings for the listener too and encourages self-care, processing with a professional if needed.
She reminds that disclosure can be very healing but a vulnerable process for the survivor; the response they get is pivotal and can help alleviate fears of judgment they may carry.
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Categories: Podcast