Responding to Disclosures of Challenging Sexual Content: A Webinar for Support Workers, Allied Health, and Families

In our roles as disability support workers, allied health professionals, or family members, we are sometimes the trusted person who hears a disclosure for the first time. These disclosures can include complex and confronting content such as paraphilic interests, sexual curiosity involving inanimate objects, animals, cartoons, or, at times, children.

Hearing this content can be challenging, and knowing how to respond, provide support and ensure the psychological safety of our client or family member is essential. 

This webinar will explore practical ways to respond to challenging sexual disclosures. Participants will learn how to:

• Distinguish between harmful sexual behaviour and non-normative but non-harmful content
• Use respectful, non-shaming language in response to disclosures
• Recognise and maintain professional boundaries and scope of practice
• Apply strategies to prevent vicarious trauma after hearing and receiving disclosures

About the presenter

Bridie Allan (she/her), BPsycSc, MSW(MHP), MC-SXLPR, MC
Accredited Psychosexual Therapist (Provisional) (SAS), Care Rehab

Bridie brings diverse expertise to sexuality counselling and education. For more than 11 years, she has worked across correctional, community and hospital settings, assisting adults and children facing sexual wellbeing issues that challenge their physical and mental wellbeing. Bridie has experience working with adults who have a newly acquired catastrophic injury as well as those with longer term mental health psychosocial difficulties. She is dedicated to supporting clients explore their sexuality and sexual needs with the goal of improving pleasure, wellbeing and quality of life.