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Phases of Adaptation and Individuals with Physical Disabilities

© Catherine Radler

As some of you who read my atricles know, I have been involved in some research regarding the use of mental health services and individuals with physical disabilites. Throughout my research, I have found numerous articles on individuals who have congenital disabilites but few based on those who have gone through traumatic events. I came across an article in the July 1991edition of The Journal of Counseling and Development by Livneh and Sherwood that I found interesting. The authors speak of eight stages or phases of adaptation that individuals usually go through when they have been in a traumatic event that results in a physical disability. The following is a summary of these stages. The initial stage of adaptation can be characterized by shock. This is esentially a numbness to the event. The client may then move into the next stage which Livneh and Sherwood say is based on anxiety and a panic like reaction to what has taken place. Most clients move into a denial phase. Defense mechanisms are utilized in order to deal with the painful realization of the trauma. The client may then become depressed because he or she has now faced the event and all of it's implications. The client may then react in an angry manner than is internalized. He or she will harbor feeling sof guilt and self blame. This blame then takes a turn outward. The client lashes out at hospital personnel, therapists and anyone who is trying to help. The seventh stage, acknowledgement is characterized by an intellectual recognition of the event and the disability. The client is starting to gain some acceptance of the situation and will become ready to learn strategies to deal with changes in his or her life. The final adjustment stage is when the client not only is aware of useful strategies but utilizes them in every day life. As a counselor, it is important to recognize that each stage may require a different type of counseling technique. In future articles I will report on different personality theories can have been found useful for each stage. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone who has gone through a traumatic event and the result has been a physical disability to write me your comments. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

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