How do you help clients bring up sensitive subjects?

by Randi Gunther, Ph.D.

Clients will rarely bring up sensitive subjects unless they feel their therapists will be comfortable with the topic. After assessing a patient for age and situation-likely possibilities, therapists can make opening up much easier for patients by introducing those topics in a general way. As examples of generic sensitive issues, one out of three women have been exposed to some kind of sexual violation, most ten to twelve year old boys have begun masturbation, and most men are sensitive about hair loss and erectile dysfunction.

When you first meet a client and check in with them as to why they are there, form the beginnings of a relationship, and assess what the treatment plan is. Also, tell them what some of the issues other people in their same situation are likely facing. You can also tell your client about the origins of those issues or the barriers that have kept those people from addressing or healing their problems. Assure your client that he or she may not have experienced them in the same way, but that you are familiar with those issues and comfortable discussing them. Very often, a patient will not appear particularly affected in the moment, but will bring up sensitive issues later, unasked.

Learn more about Randi Gunther and her books.