AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

There are presently very few diversified counseling services for deaf people of all ages. Several mental health programs servicing the deaf are now starting to emerge. I hope to generate enough interest to spark action oriented strategies toward making services for the deaf as comprehensive as services for the hearing. This project presents an overview of aspects of deafness pertinent to the counselor working with deaf individuals. The counselor needs to be aware of and knowledgeable about the communication; language; intelligence; educational, social and emotional difficulties encountered by a prospective deaf client. When dealing with the psychological aspects inherent to deafness the special learning and adjustment needs of the deaf person must be taken into consideration. In general, the objective of any counseling situation with the deaf is to help them to develop emotionally and socially so that they may achieve satisfactory adjustment to various life situations in spite of their hearing impairment. Even though very little research has been conducted with regard to the kinds of therapeutic approaches that benefit the deaf in a counseling relationship, available information suggests the hypothesis that the less verbal and less abstract approaches are more appropriate for the deaf. For this reason I have included a recommendation for the use of group psychotherapy with the deaf. I have incorporated the use of Psychodrama, Art and Dance Therapy and Dreamwork as primarily nonverbal, visual and action oriented therapeutic approaches. A critical factor in the development of the deaf child is the family. Whether or not he can adequately adjust is a function of the acceptance he receives at home. Since the lack of proper communication in the family seems to be of such importance then perhaps the mental health needs of the deaf can be dealt with more successfully with the parents in mind. Based on this premise I have included a section for either the parent of deaf children or the counselor of parents of deaf children. Comprehensive counseling services for deaf people should have goals of human growth, fulfillment and happiness by assisting all ages to achieve psychological and social integrity and health. Hopefully, the present scientific research of the deaf will lead to the establishment of mental health programs services by professionals who are knowledgeable about deafness. If this occurs, then the deaf population will begin to receive the services that they deserve.