How can a peer discuss disclosure with a client?

Many people living with HIV suffer alone in the knowledge of their illness and fear that consequences of disclosure will lead to further isolation and stigmatization. Anxiety about disclosure adds stress to lives that may be highly stressed already and can impact the immune system. HIV peer educators and advocates are uniquely positioned to listen to their clients’ concerns about disclosure and confidentiality because they have experienced this same life challenge. They can offer invaluable support as clients make decisions about when and to whom to disclose. Peers also face challenges in deciding when and how to disclose their own status to clients, and how to interact with clients in the community without breaching confidentiality. Below are some resources that may help peers think about how to talk about disclosure with their clients:

Webinar about disclosure: In this webinar you can hear speakers with extensive experience in training and supervising peers talk about some things to think about when talking about disclosure or handling your own disclosure to clients

Training modules about disclosure: The Building Blocks to Peer Success peer training toolkit contains four lesson modules about disclosure. They are:

Disclosure Benefits and Risks
Disclosure and Stigma Fishbowl
Peer Disclosure
Supporting Our Clients Through Disclosure

< Back to Frequently Asked Questions