Inescapable Self-Disclosure: The Lived Experiences of Pregnant Counselors Working With Sexual Offenders

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of female counselors (N = 13) who provided sex offender counseling services throughout their pregnancies. Through analysis of individual interviews, the authors identified five themes: (a) self-disclosure, (b) desire to hide pregnancy, (c) visible counselor characteristics, (d) differential treatment from clients, and (e) remaining objective through consultation. Implications for counselors working with sexual offenders and recommendations for future practice and research are also provided.