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14. Isn't it better to see a hearing therapist than a Deaf therapist? Sadly, there are some people, Deaf and hearing, who have internalized the idea that hearing people are smarter or more qualified than Deaf people. These people may decide from the outset that they would not benefit from seeing a Deaf therapist. This attitude is referred to as audism, "the notion that one is superior based one's ability to hear or behave in the manner of who hears" (Humphries, 1977). A more recent term that specifically refers to Deaf people who hold this belief is "dysconscious audism" (Gertz, 2003). The danger in audism lies in its oppression of Deaf people, through stigmatizing and limiting them based on their ability to hear or speak. It is important to be aware of this type potential pathological thinking. Not surprisingly, given cultural and societal attitudes toward deafness, both Deaf and hearing people can be audist in their belief that hearing people make better therapists than do Deaf people. In all forthrightness, there are no fundamental differences between the qualifications and skills of Deaf and hearing therapists. Both complete the same graduate training programs and adhere to the same professional codes of ethics and standards of practice. Both Deaf and hearing therapists can work effectively with Deaf clients - hearing status is not a determinant of or a barrier to successful therapy. An important criterion for a healthy therapeutic relationship is that the client and therapist are a good match. For some Deaf clients, there is a certain level of comfort found in seeing a Deaf therapist from a similar background, with similar linguistic and cultural experiences and a shared familiarity with the Deaf community. Being able to relax and know that the therapist understands or "gets it" can go a long way in helping create a trusting therapeutic relationship. So, too, does the ease of communication facilitate an environment conducive to therapy. Some Deaf clients do worry about a Deaf therapist's ability to maintain confidentiality. As Deaf therapists, we are very much aware of and sensitive to the need to keep our relationships with clients confidential. Our reputation and credibility as therapists depend on this, perhaps even more so than they do for some hearing therapists, who may not spend as much time working or socializing in the Deaf community. As Deaf individuals, we know how quickly word travels in the Deaf community and we understand, as Deaf therapists, just how protective we need to be about client confidentiality. Our clients can be assured that their privacy is always respected and upheld. Clients and other mental health professionals who believe that a hearing therapist can interpret family sessions involving Deaf and hearing members should know that it is considered unethical for a therapist to function in this way. As in any professional situation involving Deaf and hearing individuals with different communication needs, a qualified interpreter should be present to ensure clear communication and to allow the hearing therapist to focus solely on therapeutic issues. A therapist trying to function in dual roles, as a therapist and as an interpreter, will fall short of engaging fully in either role, depriving clients of quality services. Gertz, E.N. (2003). Dysconcious audism and critical Deaf studies: Deaf crit's analysis of unconcious internalization of hegemony within the Deaf community. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of California, Los Angeles. Humphries, T. (1977). Communicating across cultures (deaf/hearing) and language learning. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Union Graduate School, Cincinnati, Ohio. Click here to see ASC's Vlog: Family Therapy: Deaf or Hearing Professional? |