Special issues regarding psychotherapy with the deaf

The authors interviewed 10 therapists and supervisors who had clinical experience in working with deaf patients. The responses centered on issues related to the necessity of visual rather than auditory communication, problems of diagnosis and assessment, therapist and patient expectations, special strengths of deaf patients, involvement of third parties, and modification of therapeutic technique. The authors emphasize that additional resources and research are necessary for clinicians to meet the needs of this large but still underserved population.