Authentic Dialogue with Persons Who Are Developmentally Disabled: Sad Without Tears (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781849050166)

It has often been assumed that people with developmental disabilities are incapable of expressing or acquiring the level of emotional insight and sensitivity necessary to engage in any kind of therapy. Authentic Dialogue with Persons who are Developmentally Disabled explodes this myth, challenging mental health professionals and families to engage in genuine dialogue with people who are developmentally disabled.

Rather than avoiding painful topics, such as awareness of the loss of a normal life, this book shows it is possible to confront these difficult and emotive issues within a therapeutic environment. The author, Jennifer Hill, follows the progress of several developmentally disabled individuals who participated in her group psychotherapy sessions over the course of several months and were able to discuss their feelings of sorrow, grief, jealousy and joy with the group. Offering rare insight into what it means to have a developmental disability from the perspective of those with the condition, Hill suggests a hopeful alternative to many of the programs currently on offer to the developmentally disabled.

Thought-provoking and refreshing, this book will be of interest to social workers, psychologists, and educators in the fields of developmental disability and mental health, as well as families of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Author: Jennifer Hill
ISBN-10: 1849050163
ISBN-13: 9781849050166
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Language: English
Published: 07/01/2009
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 0.40d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2009 pg. 152