Theories and Disability Counseling Individual Approach: Psychoanalytic Approach: Concepts- inferiority feelings, compensation, striving for superiority and lifestyle. Intervention strategies- develop lifestyle and help a client move from non-coping to coping Adaptations- Adlerian concept is well suited to helping clients with disabilities via adaptation, acknowledgment, adjustment and developing sense of social usefulness. Concepts- defense mechanism, body image, mourning and depression (melancholia) and early developmental stage. Intervention strategies- (not much,) may help a counselor appreciate “the complexity of the personality, especially as it strives to adjust to the real and symbolic losses of…function,” conflicts with body image Adaptations- best for clients who have come to terms with their disabilities gain better self understanding

Theories and Disability Counseling Person-Centered: Gestalt: Concepts- phenomenological field (or subjective perception), self- concept (incongruence), denial and distortion of threatening experiences. Intervention strategies- limitations, need for more active and directive approach, best for early encounters. Adaptations- attend the client’s fears, better understand “the positive inner resources” to move towards coping and acceptance. Concepts- holistic view of the individual, awareness of the present, personal responsibility, polarities and closure. Intervention strategies- one of the more “rich” theories to use: game of unfinished business, game of dialogue, game of exaggeration, taking responsibility and personalizing pronouns, reversals. Adaptations- great for persons feeling “stuck,” “increasing self- awareness…assume responsibility for self…deal with impasse and reach closure,” and group work

Theories and Disability Counseling Reality Therapy Approach: Rational-Emotive/Cognitive Approach: Concepts- behaviors are largely determined by cognitive perceptions, A-B-C theory of personality. Intervention strategies- minimize misconceptions, maximize coping skills by disputing irrational beliefs and replacing them with rational ones, short-term specific goals. Adaptations- interrupt “client’s unrealistic and negative beliefs…concerning the disability and its implications.” Concepts- success identity or failure identity and social responsibility. Intervention strategies- “Disabilities are not allowed to be used as excuses for personal failures and dependency,” goals are to accept reality, assume responsibility, develop a positive plan and behaviors to achieve a success identity. Adaptations- clients are not penalized for their failures but given a new plan, use of sarcasm, practice, and best used during final phases of adapting to disability.

Theories and Disability Counseling Somatopsychological Approach: Behavioral Approach: Concepts- operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement), classical conditioning, modeling and social-cognitive approaches. Interventions- define behavior goals, reinforce targeted behaviors, teach clients skills for self monitoring and self-reinforcement, using time-out, overcorrection, biofeedback, standup for themselves. Adaptations- best during final phases of adapting to disability, incompatible with denial, teaching relaxation techniques. Concepts- behavior is the result of interaction between intrapsychic (mental) and external (environmental) conditions. Essentially developed for rehabilitation. Interventions- start during depressive reactions and continue until full adjustment. “Concentrate on preventing the generalization of disability associated limitation to other non-affected life areas.” Taught to take pride on personal achievement without comparison. Adaptations- no longer “hung up” on loss or disability, greater pride in non-disabled abilities, disability is only limited to that which it directly pertains to, upholds asset evaluation and focuses on strengths and continued progress.

Areas for future study: Comparative study between theories and interventions- study which ones hold stronger long-term results and are most efficient. Study which theories work better with specific disabilities- eg. physical disabilities, mental/cognitive disabilities, invisible disabilities. Theories and their interaction/positive influence on the development of “disability identity” (Atkinson, Morten, & Sue, 1993 model) both with the individual directly affected and those who are not disabled.

References: Kim, J., McMahon, B., Hawley, C., Brickham, D., Gonzalez, R., & Lee, D. (2016). Psychosocial Adaptions to Chronic Illness and Disability: A Virtue Based Model. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 26. p. 45-55. Livneh, H., & Sherwood, A. (1991). Application of Personality Theories and Counseling Strategies to Clients With Physical Disabilities. Journal of Counseling & Development. 69. p. 525-538. Meyer, J., Hinton, V., & Derzis, N. (2015). Emerging Adults with Disabilities: Theory, Trends, and Implications. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling. 46(4) p. 3-10. Murdock, N. (2013). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Case Approach. [3rd Ed.] Pearson. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Smart, J. & Smart, D. (2006). Models of Disability: Implications for the Counseling Profession. Journal of Counseling and Development. 84. p. 29-40.