Externalizing lupus: A therapist/patient's challenge.

Abstract

Coping with a serious and chronic illness poses unique challenges for individuals in helping professions. What techniques and resources can be used to help the helpers? A narrative framework using the process of externalizing the problem is presented as a potentially useful approach for psychotherapists experiencing a serious illness. The author describes her own experience with lupus and offers recommendations for therapists struggling to balance their professional responsibilities with their own personal needs.

How we treat our own: The experiences and characteristics of psychology trainees with disabilities.

“…One potential explanation for this finding is that many students may be unaware that they qualify for or are able to receive services through a university disability services office or at a clinical placement site under the ADA. Alternatively, as discussed above, trainees may fear that formal disclosure to a university or employer could give an unfavorable impression or lead to discrimination or stigmatization (Maggio, 2007). Additionally, disability services offices, although well-trained in handling academic accommodations, may be less knowledgeable about how to address accommodations for clinical training (e.g., psychological test administration), and students may be able to obtain more relevant, specific guidance by working directly with faculty or supervisors, without necessitating involvement with the disability services office.…”

Providing culturally competent supervision to trainees with disabilities in rehabilitation settings.

“…Indeed, as discussed by Neal-Boylan et al (2012) and Maggio (2007), there may be particular reluctance for in the helping professions to seek and accept assistance themselves. Finally, an applicant may not realize all accommodation needs until fully immersed in the training setting.…”

“…Olkin (2009), from her work with trainees with disabilities, hypothesized that it is actually more likely for a disabled trainee to underuse accommodations because of the desire to be perceived competent and capable. Indeed, as discussed by Neal-Boylan et al (2012) and Maggio (2007), there may be particular reluctance for in the helping professions to seek and accept assistance themselves. Finally, an applicant may not realize all accommodation needs until fully immersed in the training setting.…”

When the expected happens: Facing a major life event in graduate school.

“…The resulting collection of articles is remarkable in that the authors do on a public, academic stage what we ask clients to do behind closed doors: engage in immense vulnerability. Across eight papers, psychologists described life-altering situations including being diagnosed with cancer while on internship (DeMarce, 2007), coping with the loss of a child (Callahan & Dittloff, 2007), being identified as the carrier of a deleterious genetic mutation (MacBrayer, 2007), being diagnosed with lupus (Maggio, 2007), and navigating death and debilitating illness while in graduate school (Stratton et al, 2007). Each of these articles articulated themes and/or lessons imparted by these personal and professional transformations.…”