Special considerations in counseling clients with cerebral palsy

Written from a professional and personal perspective, this article describes some of the key social and sexual issues facing people with cerebral palsy. Clients with cerebral palsy, disabled from birth and thus likely to have been socialized into a disabled, asexual role, often struggle with putting their disability into its proper perspective, demystifying sexuality, developing a positive body image, mastering essential social skills, and understanding their own sexual functioning. To be helpful, psychotherapists and counselors must sensitively address these issues while dealing with their own stereotypes and attitudes. Although the discussion focuses on cerebral palsy, there is considerable overlap and applicability to clients with other types of disabilities as well.ACSWThe term cerebral palsy, as used in this article, refers to amotor disability caused by brain damage, usually occurring at birth or in early childhood.