Groupwork with women who have a child with a developmental disability

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show how groupwork with a feminist approach can be an effective and empowering form of intervention for women who are mothers of a child with a developmental disability. Women are usually the primary carers and are often isolated with no-one to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns. A group provides an opportunity to bring some of these women together to share their experiences and offer each other emotional support, feedback and practical help. The content of the group looks at issues related to women in general as well as specific issues related to disability.