A Transactional Analysis Model for Psychological Work with Pediatric Patients with Hearing and/or Speech Problems

Abstract

Since children with hearing and/or speech problems and their families often experience psychological difficulties, it is important to provide counseling that supports psychological and social adjustment so that such problems do not become chronic. This article describes the multisystem method (MM) approach for working with these patients and their families. Based on transactional analysis (Berne, 1947/1968, 1961/1971), this method is a form of group therapy involving a number of families with similar problems. Research into this method is described, including observations of the therapy and progress of two groups: one with patients and their family members and the other just with the patients' parents. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated, even when intervention is possible only with parents.

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Notes on contributors

Francesco Craig

Anna Rita Corone Craig, Ph.D., is a Certified Transactional Analyst (ITAA, EATA, SIMPAT) and a professor of clinical psychology in the Psychiatric Science Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Bari, Italy. She can be reached at Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy or by e-mail at [email protected].

Francesco Craig is a student in the Faculty of Psychology in Florence, Italy.