Difference Between Trauma Dumping, Unsafe Sharing, and Safe Sharing to Build Connection with Clients

There is a fine line between trauma dumping, unsafe sharing, and safe sharing. These terms have been developed to support professionals in fields such as disability care, aged care, mental health, and certain areas of medical practice. It’s important to note that this article may not apply universally, so it’s essential to consult with your supervisor or, if you’re self-employed, ensure it aligns with your personal and professional values.

With that in mind, let’s dive in.

Sharing personal experiences with clients is a powerful tool for building rapport and can have a profound impact on a client’s mental health journey. Even small details about your lived experiences can accelerate rapport-building. When we demonstrate personal understanding, clients can connect with us not only as professionals but as individuals who have truly “lived” and empathise beyond formal qualifications.

This sharing can also foster trust between you and the client. Clients are more likely to engage with your support when they view you as a relatable person, often finding hope and motivation in knowing that challenges can be overcome.

However, there is a delicate balance between helpful and harmful sharing. Let’s explore the nuances by breaking down the terms:

Trauma Dumping

This is the most harmful type of sharing, both for you and the client. Trauma dumping does not benefit anyone and can often exacerbate challenges for all parties involved.

Trauma dumping occurs when you share excessive and unresolved personal experiences with your client, to the extent that it places an emotional burden on them. For example, discussing unresolved events such as recent breakups or ongoing crises is inappropriate. A good rule of thumb is this: if you haven’t resolved your issue or processed it fully, it’s not ready to be shared.

Sharing should never shift the dynamic to where the client feels they need to comfort or support you. Instead, any personal anecdotes should serve the purpose of showing clients that problems can be overcome—not for seeking sympathy or validation.

Unsafe Sharing

Unsafe sharing is the most commonly encountered form of unhelpful sharing in professional settings. This involves sharing details that may place either you or your client in a vulnerable or risky situation.

For instance, discussing deeply personal information such as your home address, the names or schools of your children, or other identifying details is inappropriate. Sharing such information can expose you and your loved ones to unnecessary risks, including harassment, stalking, or even physical harm.

It’s crucial to remember that your clients are not your friends. Your role is to provide support within professional boundaries, not to foster personal relationships that could jeopardize safety or professionalism.

Safe Sharing

Safe sharing is a nuanced and client-specific approach that can vary based on the client’s condition, your professional role, and the rapport you wish to build.

The guiding principle of safe sharing is that it must focus on how you overcame a lived experience and should always conclude on a positive or empowering note.

For example, you might share: "I used to struggle with severe depressive episodes up until the age of 17, but I haven’t experienced one since. What helped me was working closely with a psychiatrist and learning stress management techniques that prevented issues from escalating."

This kind of sharing serves two purposes: it provides an example of overcoming challenges and invites the client to explore their own coping strategies. Notice that in this example, the focus remains on general support strategies (e.g., stress management) rather than delving into specific medications or details about the psychiatrist’s interventions. Such specifics are outside the scope of most professional roles and should be referred to the appropriate specialist, such as a psychiatrist.

Key Takeaways

When sharing personal experiences, always remember the following:

1. Trauma dumping?is harmful and places an unnecessary burden on clients. Avoid it completely.
2. Unsafe sharing?endangers you, your clients, and your loved ones. Maintain professional boundaries.
3. Safe sharing?fosters connection and trust while maintaining professionalism and client safety.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can build meaningful rapport with clients who trust you to guide and support them.

Navigating the balance between connection and professionalism can be challenging, but it is an essential part of providing ethical, effective support. By being mindful of how and when you share personal experiences, you can create a safe, supportive space for your clients to grow and thrive.

If you’re ever uncertain about what constitutes safe sharing, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your supervisor or trusted colleagues. And remember, the strength of the connection you build lies not in how much you reveal but in how effectively you foster hope, trust, and empowerment in those you support.

For further guidance on safe sharing, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help.