Factors Assisting Female Clients' Disclosure of Incest During Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore specific behaviors and characteristics of counselors that relate to adult, female clients' disclosure of incest during counseling. A total of 37 female incest victims who had sought counseling within the previous 3 years completed the study. Information about disclosure of incest during counseling and perceptions of counselors' characteristics and reactions were gathered by a structured interview and the modified Barrett‐Lennard Relationship Inventory. Results suggest that factors related to initial disclosure and exploration of incest are client readiness, direct questioning by the counselor, specific counselor characteristics, and positive counselor reactions to initial disclosure. Guidelines for assisting clients' disclosure of incest are presented.