Compassion and Self-compassion: Conceptualization of and Application to Adjustment to Disability

Authors

Susan Stuntzner, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Abstract

For many, disability may ignite feelings of grief, sadness, loss, and/or emotional pain. Others discover they harbor negative or self-critical thoughts and beliefs (i.e., blame) which compounds and complicates the personal coping process. Adjustment to disability models exist to help persons with disabilities and professionals understand or explain their negative thoughts, feelings, and experiences; yet, they do not overtly discuss or address emerging skills and approaches such as compassion and selfcompassion as a part of the disability adjustment process. In an effort to change this trend, an eclectic theoretical model which infuses self-compassion and compassion-based techniques has been developed. Rehabilitation counselors are provided with an explanation of the ways existing research on compassion and self-compassion can be used to strengthen their application to the adjustment needs of persons with disabilities. Information about how to incorporate compassion and self-compassion into the rehabilitation counseling adjustment process and recommendations are also provided. Keywords: compassion, selfcompassion, grief, loss, counseling approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, disability, adjustment to disability

Comments

First published in Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling. Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1891/0047-2220.48.2.15

Recommended Citation

Stuntzner, S. (2017). Compassion and Self-compassion: Conceptualization of and Application to Adjustment to Disability. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 48(2). https://doi.org/10.1891/0047-2220.48.2.15

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling

DOI

10.1891/0047-2220.48.2.15