Candidate: Deborah E. Renard

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Title: Counseling Clients with Physical Disabilities: Biased and Exemplary Practices

Committee:

Dr. James M. Croteau
Dr. Robert L Betz
Dr. C. Dennis Simpson

Date: Friday, November 2, 2001, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., 3306 Sangren

Abstract:
As multicultural counseling theory and research develop, conceptualizations of diversity have expanded beyond an initial focus on racial/ethnic minority groups to include additional dimensions of human difference, such as sexual orientation, gender, age, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, and disability (Atkinson, 1994). However, there is little substantive research that addresses disability as a diversity issue in generalist counseling practice. In this study, persons with disabilities are considered members of a minority group, and effectiveness in working with clients who have disabilities is regarded as a form of competence in working with diverse populations. This study aims to develop and empirically based conceptualization of the principles and concrete practices that represent biased and exemplary practices (BEPs) in counseling persons who have disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to identify, describe, categorize, and illustrate the widest possible range of BEPs that occur in counseling with clients who have physical disabilities. This study uses what we have termed the BEP research model, which has its roots in past research on the quality of psychotherapeutic services rendered to clients from socially marginalized groups (Croteau & Lark, 1995; Garnets, Hancock, Cochran, Goodchilds, & Peplau, 1991; Leigh, Powers, Nettles & Vash, 1999; Task Force on Sex Bias and Sex-role Stereotyping in Psychotherapeutic Practice, 1975). The BEP research methodology uses narrative data that is collected via mail survey from an expert group of practitioners. Responses to 4 open-ended questions captured the participants' views of both specific incidents and general characteristics of BEP with clients who have physical disabilities. A categorical description of a wide range of BEPs was developed through rigorous qualitative thematic analysis of the data.

The findings are presented as a categorical description of BEPs, consisting of 8 broad themes and 15 sub themes. Within each thematic cluster, both biased and exemplary practices are described alongside illustrative examples. The results of this study have implications for professional practice, training, and clinical supervision in that they provide empirically grounded guidance for increasing practitioners' competence in working with clients who have physical disabilities. The conclusions of this study also point to further areas of research and scholarship regarding disability as diversity within the disciplines of counseling and professional psychology.  

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