Fighting Handicap: Looking More Closely at Some of the Problems

Abstract

The realities of profound handicap are obvious — the difficulties of dressing, feeding, lifting, changing and so on. But beyond the physical complications lie a group of psychological problems and processes that often get lost or are simply forgotten. My intention here is to remind the reader of some of the problems of transference — briefly explained as a process whereby emotional and physical feelings are transferred from one person to another. Having a greater awareness of them will not take the handicap away. Insight will not make aphasics talk, it will not improve muscle tone and it most certainly will not repair damage that has already been done. But what it may do is provide us with a greater understanding of those we are working with — their families and of course ourselves. By blocking out the possibilities, either consciously or subconsciously, we are in effect fighting against the feelings and emotions. This only serves to complicate issues even further. By at least being open-minded enough in our approach to recognise that transference may be happening, we can leave ourselves with fewer obstacles to inhibit progress.