Nov. 05' : Individual Psychotherapy for Persons with Down Syndrome
Cristina Gallart i Valls
Psychologist at Centre Mèdic Down (CMD) and Centre de Desenvolupament Infantil i Atenció Primerenca (CDIAP), a part of Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down (FCSD).
Correspondence to:
Sra. Cristina Gallart
Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down.
c/ Comte Borrell, 201-203, entresòl.
08029 Barcelona.
Article received: 29-Sep-05
Abstract
This paper reflects upon the individual psychotherapeutic care we undertake with persons with Down Syndrome (DS) at the Centre Mèdic Down (CMD). Although the population groups catered for in this Department range from children to adults, this paper concerns the adult patients (aged from 16 years upwards). In it, we look at persons with DS, the therapeutic relationship between patient and psychologist, and the instruments used in psychotherapy to help people think through and connect with their emotions and conflicts.
We also include clinical materials, experiences with a few patients (7 cases) and a closing reflection about the importance of working with the patient's family throughout the therapeutic process.
Keywords: Help with thinking through. Connecting with emotions. Patients with Down Syndrome. Therapeutic process. Psychotherapy.
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Psychologist at Centre Mèdic Down (CMD) and Centre de Desenvolupament Infantil i Atenció Primerenca (CDIAP), a part of Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down (FCSD).
Correspondence to:
Sra. Cristina Gallart
Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down.
c/ Comte Borrell, 201-203, entresòl.
08029 Barcelona.
Article received: 29-Sep-05
Abstract
This paper reflects upon the individual psychotherapeutic care we undertake with persons with Down Syndrome (DS) at the Centre Mèdic Down (CMD). Although the population groups catered for in this Department range from children to adults, this paper concerns the adult patients (aged from 16 years upwards). In it, we look at persons with DS, the therapeutic relationship between patient and psychologist, and the instruments used in psychotherapy to help people think through and connect with their emotions and conflicts.
We also include clinical materials, experiences with a few patients (7 cases) and a closing reflection about the importance of working with the patient's family throughout the therapeutic process.
Keywords: Help with thinking through. Connecting with emotions. Patients with Down Syndrome. Therapeutic process. Psychotherapy.
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