Location
SHIFTING THE PARADIGM
Managing Disclosures
My two-year ordeal at the age of six, followed by over 30 years of my healing journey, has given
me the insight to understand the trauma I endured and the foundation of my recovery. None of
this would have been possible without my mother’s immediate and unwavering support when I
disclosed the abuse. The pivotal moment in my healing came when, at the age of eight, I shared
the truth with her, and she believed me without question. This was the beginning of my healing
journey. How we respond to a disclosure can either ignite the healing process or delay it.
Responding appropriately is essential as it builds trust, ensures safety, and provides much needed
support for someone sharing deeply personal or painful information. A compassionate
and thoughtful response can validate their feelings, reduce isolation, and makes them feel
heard and understood. In contrast, an inappropriate or dismissive reaction can cause additional
harm, deepen feelings of shame, fear and regret which can lead to been discouraged in
disclosing any personal trauma.
We will explore the critical elements of the correct response through my BeCalmer approach,
which will go into detail of body positioning, the importance of tone, facial expressions and
much more!
This webinar will give the tools and insights needed to confidently respond to a disclosure and
learn what action needs to be taken.
Presenter/John Cardamone
John is an educator, trainer, speaker, and child sexual abuse survivor.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, John’s mission is to share his story to
inspire others and to promote his message about the importance
of connection and have a sense of belonging, which he believes are
instrumental to mental health and wellbeing.
As a child that was being sexually abused, John recalls trying to communicate to family members
what was happening to him, however he just couldn’t get the words out, he didn’t know how to.
He would suffocate with fear. He needed to know that if he disclosed his worst fears, he would be
believed unconditionally.
John is a Bravehearts ambassador and has shared his story around the country and world to
inspire change, educate and inform practices required to respond to disclosures. John has created
the BeCalmer framework to ensure everyone has the knowledge, ability and the essential skills
needed to start the healing journey for someone disclosing.