Abstract
M.Ed.
The aim of this research study was to conduct Narrative Therapy with an adolescent with cerebral palsy and a cognitive disability, to determine his experience of the disability. The study was motivated by the fact that no research has been conducted in South Africa on therapy with adolescents living with cerebral palsy and cognitive disability. The reason being that it was believed that a client needs to have the cognitive ability for therapeutic change to occur. Recent international research has proved that therapy can be successful with clients with cognitive disabilities, if the approach or techniques are on the client’s cognitive developmental level.
The goal of the study was firstly to give a voice to a seventeen-year-old adolescent with cerebral palsy and a cognitive disability to tell his story. Secondly, to determine what internal resources he has to help him cope with the disability. Lastly, to make recommendations for other therapists who want to conduct therapy with adolescents living with disabilities.
A qualitative research approach with a single case study as research design from a selected sample was used. A qualitative approach is useful in studies where the meaning individuals give to there experience are investigated. The focus is on a seventeen-year-old adolescent with cerebral palsy and a cognitive disability and his experience of the disability. The researcher as therapist uses Narrative Therapy to describe and document the adolescent’s experience.
Data was gathered through a variety of techniques (interviews, Narrative therapy sessions, observations and therapeutic letters), which enhanced the reliability of the study.
The researcher was also the therapist who conducted Narrative Therapy and she had the opportunity to explore and describe the adolescent’s experience. From the data, certain themes and sub-themes were identified that highlighted aspects of living with a disability.
Me. H. Krige