| What Psychotherapists Should Know about Disability by Rhoda, Ph.D. Olkin |
| Editorial Reviews Book News, Inc. Clinician, researcher, professor, and a member of the disability community, Olkin (clinical psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda, California) provides a primer for therapists for dealing effectively with disabled clients. She explains what experiences disabled people have in common; how the disability experience influences someone's relationships, work, and family life; whether a therapist should ask about a disability when the client does not bring it up; and other matters. -- Copyright � 1999 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR All rights reserved Book News, Inc.�, Portland, OR Book Description This comprehensive volume provides the knowledge and skills that mental health professionals need for more effective, informed work with clients with disabilities. Combining her extensive knowledge as a clinician, researcher, and teacher with her personal experience as someone with a disability, Olkin provides an insider's perspective on critical issues that are often overlooked in training. A lucid conceptual framework is presented for understanding disability as a minority experience, one that is structured by social, legal, and attitudinal constraints as well as physical challenges. Illuminating frequently encountered psychosocial themes and concerns, chapters describe a range of approaches to dealing with disability issues in the treatment of adults, children, and families. Topics addressed include etiquette with clients with disabilities; special concerns in assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis; the impact of disability on sexuality and romance, as well as pregnancy, birthing, and parenting; the use of assistive technology and devices; disability and substance abuse; and more. Filled with clinical examples and observations, the volume also discusses strategies for enhancing teaching, training, and research. The author, Rhoda Olkin , September 8, 1999 What makes this book unique I wasn't sure I had a whole book in me; I thought it might just be a mild case of gas. But as it turns out I had a lot to say about disability. What makes this book unique is that it is written by a person with a disability (that would be me), and a staunch disability rights advocate (me again) who is also a psychologist and a family therapist (still me). This book blends the professional and the personal to give readers an inside look at the disability community. It doesn't tell therapists what to do (no book can cover such a wide range of people, disabilities, and presenting problems), but rather how to understand disability, so that the clinician can then decide for him/herself what to do. Some unique features include etiquette with clients with disabilities, disability-affirmative therapy, and practical tips on teaching graduate students about disability. Instructors of diversity classes will find this a useful tool for teaching about disability; teaching suggestions can be modified for small (2 hour) or large time blocks. About the Author Rhoda Olkin, PhD, California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda, CA |