Intersubjectivity, phenomenology and multiple disabilities

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of Art Therapy (AT) with Deaf Individuals (DI) and Deaf Individuals with Multiple Disabilities (DIwMD). Using the psychoanalytical modalities of intersubjectivity and phenomenology, the therapist observed that deaf clients with highly limited verbal skills, yet heightened visual senses, are particularly well suited to benefit from AT. The therapist found that excessive emotional neutrality can be counter-productive to treatment; success with this special population, as with the general population, depends on the therapist's sensitivity and ability to attune to the client's subjective reality in a positive, non-judgemental manner. The original study examined six cases; however, three are presented here for comparative purposes. AT was strongly validated as an effective treatment for behaviour modification and growth of client self-esteem.

Keywords:

• Deafness
• disabilities (other than deafness)
• intersubjectivity
• phenomenology
• humanistic insights