Understanding and working with dyslexia in individual and couple therapy: Implications for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Abstract

Although the term “dyslexia” is likely to evoke a picture of someone struggling with reading, spelling, and writing, the condition is far more complex than that. It may affect communication, information processing, and organisational skills, and contribute to breakdown in relationships. In New Zealand, dyslexia has only been officially recognised since 2007. Although awareness of specific learning difficulties has burgeoned in recent years, dyslexia is still not well understood. Yet it is estimated that between 10 and 20 per cent of the population—and potentially the same proportion of clients across all practice contexts— may be “dyslexic.” It is therefore vital that the complex challenges it can present for individuals, couples, and families are recognised, and that counsellors and psychotherapists know how to work effectively with these clients. This article first explains the aetiology of dyslexia. This is followed by presentation and discussion of the findings of a recent qualitative study which investigated six intimate relationships in which one partner had been diagnosed with dyslexia. In considering the implications of these results and recommendations for practice, the author draws on her clinical experience of working with individuals and couples who live with dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)