How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 184

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Interpersonal violence and disabilities Women with disabilities are at a significantly greater risk for severe interpersonal violence and neglect (Brownridge 2006). As a counselor, additional screening questions tailored to address unique vulnerabilities associated with the specific physical disability may be warranted. For example,  Has anyone ever withheld food or medication from you that you asked for or needed?  Has anyone ever refused to let you use your wheelchair or other assistive devices at home or in the community?  Has anyone ever refused to assist you with self-care that you needed, such as getting out of bed, using the toilet, or other personal care tasks?  Has anyone used restraints on you to keep you from getting out of bed or out of your wheelchair? Initial questions about trauma should be general and gradual. While ideally you want the client to control the level of disclosure, it is important as a counselor to mediate the level of disclosure. At times, clients with PTSD just want to gain relief; they disclose too much, too soon without having established trust, an adequate support system, or effective coping strategies. Preparing a woman to respond to trauma-related questions is important. By taking the time with the client to prepare and explain how the screening is done and the potential need to pace the material, the woman has more control over the situation. Overall, she should understand the screening process, why the specific questions are important, and that she can choose not to answer or to delay her response. From the outset, counselors need to provide initial trauma-informed education and guidance with the client. 7. Health screenings, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and STDs Eating Disorders Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all psychological disorders (Neumarker 1997; Steinhausen 2002). Approximately 15 percent of women in substance abuse treatment have had an eating disorder diagnosis in their lifetimes (Hudson 1992)