Exploring clients’ experiences of disclosing childhood adversity to mental health professionals

There are gaps within existing literature exploring the experiences of clients’ disclosing childhood adversity (CA) to mental health professionals (MHPs). The current study explored facilitators of, and barriers to, disclosure of and enquiry about childhood adversity to mental health professionals. and setting : An anonymous, online survey gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 96 people who had experienced CA and used mental health services in the UK. The quantitative data was analysed to produce descriptive data. The qualitative data was subjected to four content analyses. The facilitators of disclosure found were: positive dynamics between the client and MHP, clients’ motivation to disclose, and disclosure environment. Barriers found were: influence of the MHP, clients’ experiences, and session environment. A range of emotional responses to mental health professionals’ enquiry (or lack thereof) about CA were also reported. 35 participants were not asked about their experiences of CA, and 7 participants did not disclose their experiences. The identification of facilitators and barriers to disclosing childhood adversity may expand the knowledge base surrounding the disclosure process, inform training for mental health professionals and encourage effective provision of ‘trauma-informed’ care in mental health services, via increasing sensitive, effective enquiry, and disclosure. • Positive relationships, client motivation, and the disclosure environment facilitate disclosure of childhood adversity. • Negative professional interactions, past experiences, and an unsupportive disclosure environment can be barriers to disclosure. • Being asked, or not, about childhood adversity evokes various emotional responses.