This writer chose working with disabled groups as the important issue counselors should develop more competence in working with. This topic hits close to home as this writer has a father-in-law that is disabled, and they truly didn't understand the difference in lifestyle and functionality until he came into their life. Many individuals with disabilities experience traumatic stress due to either the accident that caused their disability or the painful treatments received for their physical condition (People with Disabilities | NAMI, 2024). Depression and anxiety can also be prominent due to the isolation they experience (People with Disabilities | NAMI, 2024). In many cases disabled adults are only seen by physicians who will treat the physical issues, but many times mental health symptoms are a by-product and can be overlooked (People with Disabilities | NAMI, 2024). These individuals are unique in their need for both physical and mental care and this is a difficult path to navigate (People with Disabilities | NAMI, 2024). Therapist being aware that the mental health symptoms are often overlooked is a good baseline when working with disabled clients. Understanding how the client prefers to be treated is important as well, as with any client, but increased in clients with disabilities. These clients may need or require assistance entering the building or office, while others may prefer not to draw attention to their disability. Creating a safe space to allow them to feel comfortable and let their guard down is important in addressing their mental health concerns (People with Disabilities | NAMI, 2024). Adults with disabilities experience mental health symptoms five times as often as those without, a CDC study found that about 32.9 % of adults with disabilities experienced frequent mental distress and this was exemplified by COVID19 due to increased isolation and disconnect (CDC, 2024). These affects a large number of individuals within the U.S and therefore gaining more competence in working with clients with disabilities is essential.

People with Disabilities | NAMI. (2024). Www.nami.org. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/People-with-Disabilities/

CDC. (2024, December 16).The Mental Health of People with Disabilities. Disability and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/mental-health-of-people-with-disabilities.html

this is a discussion from a peer alyssa it needs in text citations and references at the end