[humanser] The Endangered blind Psychotherapist

[JD Townsend]

Hello,

Merry introduced the topic and I've taken a bit to respond.  How do we as 
blind mental health professionals confront thee fears of agency/department 
managers for our safety.

I found that on being denied access to a patient on an inpatient unit due to 
using a dog guide that inviting the managers to a local NFB meeting by 
letter was successful as they came in with apologies and promises of reform.

I have found that informing management of my ability and experience with 
agressive patients has not been successful, but when they view my skills in 
verbal de-escalation they respond positively.  It takes time to build their 
trust.

I am currently in a new clinic and the staff call on security when they fear 
for my safety with potentially violent patients.  They don't realize that 
some of the most dangerous patients I have worked with are little elderly 
patients who are not as innocent as they appear to them.  Much of this comes 
from staff fears of the African-American male and is not directly blindness 
related.  Unfortunately as blind folks we are in a position of percieved 
vulnerability.  In over 30 years of working with mentally ill patients the 
most violent act I have suffered is being spit on by a young man who was 
reacting to transferencial flash-backs.

So it goes.  Our best practice is to be available.  I respond to almost all 
calls for "staff assistance" our hospital's response to potentially violent 
patient situations.  Mostly I am marginalized, but at times I am a central 
respponder.




JD Townsend LCSW
Helping the light dependent to see.
Daytona Beach, Earth, Sol System