Alienation and Therapeutic Connection

A Phenomenological Account of Three Patients with Communication Disorders Associated with Cancers of the Head and Neck

Authors

  • Robert James Fourie University College Cork
  • Máire Murphy University College Cork

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v2i1.1

Keywords:

Alienation, phenomenology, therapeutic relationship

Abstract

Humans connect when they communicate. Indeed, it is in this act of connecting that people regulate their relationships with others. However, this connectedness contrasts with the notion of being alienated in the face of impaired communication. For example, Van Riper and Erickson (1996) explained how the loss of communication could result in penalties, guilt, frustration, hostility and anxiety. The specific aims of the current qualitative, phenomenological study were to identify and document instances of alienation in three individuals with oncogenic communication and/or swallowing disorders. The results suggest that the participants were alienated inasmuch as they experienced fear in response to their life-threatening illnesses; loss of control, autonomy and choice in relation to communication and health goals; and depression, meaninglessness and loneliness, associated with perceived changes in identity and belonging. Clinical reflections are presented in light of the practice implications suggested by these findings.

Author Biographies

  • Robert James Fourie, University College Cork

    Robert J. Fourie is a lecturer in speech and hearing sciences at University College Cork (UCC). He is author of the paper, ‘A qualitative study of the therapeutic relationship in speech and language therapy: Perspectives of adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders’, published in the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders. He has recently edited the book Therapeutic Processes for Communication Disorders: A Guide for Clinicians and Students. His interests include deafness studies, the psychological and social dimensions of communication disorders and in particular, the therapeutic relationship.

  • Máire Murphy, University College Cork

    Máire Murphy graduated from University College Cork (UCC) in 2009 with an honours bachelor of science degree in speech and hearing sciences. She currently works as a speech and language therapist in an acute care hospital in the UK, specializing in stroke rehabilitation and neurological disorders. Her interests include the psychosocial effects of communication impairments and specifically, the impact of communication difficulties on access to effective healthcare interventions. She is a trained facilitator for ‘Aware’ support groups, an Irish organization which supports people with mental health problems.

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Published

2011-07-29

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Fourie, R. J., & Murphy, M. (2011). Alienation and Therapeutic Connection: A Phenomenological Account of Three Patients with Communication Disorders Associated with Cancers of the Head and Neck. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 2(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v2i1.1

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