Skip to main content
Log in

Sight or insight? Child therapy with a blind clinician

  • Articles
  • Published:
Clinical Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The process of a blind second-year social work student's play therapy with sighted children is analyzed and discussed. The ensuing limitations, compensatory issues, and unexpected opportunities are highlighted. The student's experience in becoming blind, her adaptation to it, and discrimination experienced seeking employment are described. Major themes in describing the child therapy focus on compensation for visual cues, utilization of the guide dog as a pet therapist, proxemics and mirroring in relation to blindness, and the impact of the “wounded healer” on clients. The student's work with a 13 year old girl illustrates the major concepts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alperin, D. (1988). The physically disabled BSW student: Implications for field education.Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 2: 99–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asch, A. & Rousso, H. (1985). Therapists with disabilities: Theoretical and clinical issues.Psychiatry. 48: 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, R. (1991). The hearing impaired psychotherapist: Implications for process and practice.Clinical Social Work Journal. 19: 417–426.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edward, J., Ruskin, N. & Turrini, P. (1992).Separation/Individuation: Theory and application, 2nd ed., New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraiberg, S. (1987).Selected writing of Selma Fraiberg, ed. D. Freedman. Columbus: The Ohio University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gakis, T. (1990). Practitioner disability: What are the real handicaps?Families In Society: The Journal Of Contemporary Human Services. 71: 429–435.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, C. (1986).On being a psychotherapist: The journey of the healer. New York: Gardner Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grolnick, S. (1990).The work & play of Winnicott. Northvale: Jason Aronson Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krausz, S. (1980). Group psychotherapy with legally blind patients.Clinical Social Work Journal. 8:37–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lim, L. (1992). Frances Villeneuve: Blindness a challenge to practicing social worker.Ongoing: The University of Michigan School of Social Work.

  • Netting, F. Wilson, C. & New, J. (1987). The human-animal bond: implications for practice.Social Work: 32: 60–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanville, J. (1991).The playground of psychoanalytic therapy. Hillsdale: The Analytic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, K. (1991).Edgar A. Poe: Mournful and never-ending remembrance. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sperr, I., Zischka, P., Paul, K. & Warnke, J. (1982). Professional training for visually handicapped students: implications for rehabilitation counselors and faculty.Visual Impairment and Blindness. 76: 417–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sussman, M. (1992).A curious calling: Unconscious motivations for practicing psychotherapy. Northvale: Jason Aronson Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, K. (1991).Vision and separation: Between mother and baby. Northvale: Jason Aronson Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ceconi, B.A., Urdang, E. Sight or insight? Child therapy with a blind clinician. Clin Soc Work J 22, 179–192 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02190473

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02190473

Keywords

Navigation