Responding to Client Disclosures of Colonial Trauma
A BRIEF REFLECTIVE, PRACTICE-GROUNDED GUIDE FOR CLINICIANS
The Painful Truth
Many clients are carrying stories shaped by colonization, even when the word itself is never spoken.
And when those stories land in the therapy room, it can feel heavy. Tender. Easy to get wrong.
This guide was created to support therapists who want to respond with care, accountability, and humility — without freezing, deflecting, or rushing to “do it right.”
One sentence at a time.
Written for real clinicians, in real rooms, doing their best.
Inside the Guide, You’ll Find:
Gentle context on colonial trauma and how it can surface in therapy
Reflections on power, positionality, and therapeutic responsibility
Common therapist responses and why some can unintentionally harm
Supportive language examples you can adapt to your own voice
Questions for self-reflection before, during, and after sessions
Guidance on repair when you miss something (because we all do)
What This Guide Is (and Isn’t)
This is not a checklist.
And it’s definitely not a script for saying the perfect thing.
It is a grounded, compassionate resource that helps you stay present when clients disclose experiences connected to colonial trauma, including racism, displacement, intergenerational harm, and systemic violence.
It’s about how you show up, not how much you know.
Who This Guide is For
Therapists and counsellors in private practice or community settings
Provisional and early-career clinicians wanting support beyond theory
Experienced practitioners seeking a values-aligned refresher
Anyone who wants to practise with integrity, curiosity, and care
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t want to centre myself, but I don’t want to go silent either.” This guide is for you.
Why We Created It
At Cherry Tree, we believe ethical practice includes ongoing learning, especially where colonization and systemic harm are concerned.
We also believe therapists deserve resources that are human, reflective, and usable, not shaming or overwhelming.
This guide meets you where you are.
And gently asks you to keep going.
Ready to Access the Guide?
You can download Responding to Client Disclosures of Colonial Trauma now and begin exploring it at your own pace.
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