The American Library Association sends out monthly lists of "Editors' Picks"--about 10 particularly recommended books. The January list includes this book. I was wondering if anyone has read it?
Segal, Julia. The trouble with illness: how illness and disability affect relationships. Jessica Kingsley, 2017. 312p bibl index ISBN 9781785923326 pbk, $19.95; ISBN 9781784506513 ebook, $19.95.
Segal, a counselor with over 30 years of experience working with clients with disabilities, especially those with deteriorating conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), documents the psychodynamic processes and realistic consequences of the condition, which have variations in improvements and relapses that range from case to case. Using the analytical techniques pioneered by Melanie Klein, a colleague of Anna Freud, Segal examines the intrapsychic conflicts or acceptance of patients living with neurological dysfunction. She stresses the importance of familial support and acknowledgment of hidden fears and anxieties in coping with the nonlinear trajectory of the illness. Every angle of the impact of MS on the family is explored extensively.
One major criticism of this otherwise illuminating book is that it deemphasizes prevailing negative, stereotypical, systemic attitudes toward people with disabilities. Such attitudes often shape retrograde policies such as architectural barriers, which are more limit-imposing than the functional limitations themselves.
The book is well written with the narrative flowing easily while engaging the reader in the process. It is strongly recommended for readers at all levels, especially students, professionals, and policy makers who are working with individuals experiencing neurological conditions.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. —D. J. Winchester, Columbia University
Segal, a counselor with over 30 years of experience working with clients with disabilities, especially those with deteriorating conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), documents the psychodynamic processes and realistic consequences of the condition, which have variations in improvements and relapses that range from case to case. Using the analytical techniques pioneered by Melanie Klein, a colleague of Anna Freud, Segal examines the intrapsychic conflicts or acceptance of patients living with neurological dysfunction. She stresses the importance of familial support and acknowledgment of hidden fears and anxieties in coping with the nonlinear trajectory of the illness. Every angle of the impact of MS on the family is explored extensively.
One major criticism of this otherwise illuminating book is that it deemphasizes prevailing negative, stereotypical, systemic attitudes toward people with disabilities. Such attitudes often shape retrograde policies such as architectural barriers, which are more limit-imposing than the functional limitations themselves.
The book is well written with the narrative flowing easily while engaging the reader in the process. It is strongly recommended for readers at all levels, especially students, professionals, and policy makers who are working with individuals experiencing neurological conditions.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. —D. J. Winchester, Columbia University
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