Dealing with Discomfort Towards Mentally Handicapped Individuals in Clinical Practice

As a potential or current psychologist, you may encounter individuals with various mental health conditions and disabilities. One common concern is the discomfort or disgust one may feel when interacting with people with mental disabilities, such as individuals with Down syndrome. This piece aims to address how to handle such emotions in a professional setting.

Understanding Professional Boundaries

It is understandable to feel uncomfortable or irritated when you are around someone with a mentally handicapped condition. However, as a clinician, you must prioritize your client's well-being and maintain an unbiased, professional demeanor. This does not mean you need to suppress your feelings entirely; rather, you should find ways to manage and channel them appropriately.

Choosing Your Practice Path

While some may choose to specialize in certain areas to avoid discomfort, it is important to recognize the wide range of clients that require your expertise. You can decide whether to see clients with specific conditions at your discretion, but it is important not to let personal biases affect your professional duties.

Professional vs. Personal Bias

As a professional, it is crucial to maintain a neutral perspective. Your personal feelings should not interfere with your clinical judgment. For instance, a friend described a situation where a psychologist spent time with individuals who had committed heinous acts but were still viewed as unique individuals. Despite her personal repulsion, she found the subject fascinating due to her professional role.

Maintaining Safety and Privacy

For your own safety and that of your clients, it is important to handle uncomfortable feelings in a controlled manner. It is crucial to maintain a professional boundary and not disclose personal prejudices, especially if it may lead to a negative impact on the client's perception of you as a healthcare provider.

Understanding the Difference Between Conditions

Mental disabilities should not be confused with mental illnesses. There is a significant distinction between them. While mental illnesses can vary widely, mental disabilities can often manifest in more visible and challenging ways, as in the case of Down syndrome or severe mental handicaps.

A Personal Story

To provide a more contextual understanding, I will share a personal experience. In high school, a man named Andy, who had severe mental handicaps, began stalking me and attempting to physically and sexually abuse me during our lunch breaks. He was often described with terms like "disgusting" and "dangerous" due to his behavior. My school environment was very sensitive to using certain terms, and I refrained from labeling him to avoid a reaction of prejudice.

After confiding in a friend named Kate, who had mild mental handicaps, I spoke with the special needs teachers. They were aware of the situation but did not take appropriate action. This incident highlights the importance of proper intervention and support for both the client and the staff involved.

It is crucial to remember that people with severe mental handicaps can be dangerous and require proper supervision and care. While inclusion is important, safety should always be a priority. Some individuals may need to be protected to prevent harm to themselves or others.

Conclusion

While it is normal to have discomfort when dealing with certain individuals, it is important to recognize and manage these feelings in a way that does not compromise your professional integrity. You can choose your practice areas wisely, but it is essential to maintain a professional demeanor in all cases. Remember, your clients' well-being is your primary concern, and you have a responsibility to handle any situations with care and compassion.