Rehabilitation Psychology

As an integrated program of intervention, rehabilitation enables people with disabilities or chronic health conditions to achieve “personal fulfilment, meaningful relationships, and functional competency” in their daily lives. Psychologists who are interested in rehabilitation psychology study apply psychological knowledge and skills on behalf of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions to enhance their health and well-being, independence and choices, functional abilities, and social role participation across their lifespan. 

In addition to professional practice, rehabilitation psychologists specialise in many areas. Among the activities that they engage in are clinical practice, consultation, program development, service provision, training, education, administration, and development of public policies and advocacy related to persons with disability and chronic health conditions. 

Rehabilitation Psychology  

A rehabilitation psychologist assists people with disabilities, activity limitations, and social participation restrictions in achieving better function and quality of life. Since disability affects a person’s life in many ways, rehabilitation psychologists provide services that ensure the individual reaches their rehabilitation goals at the level of biological, psychological, social, environmental, and political environments. 

Besides working with clients and their support systems, rehabilitation psychologists provide consultations on disability and health issues to attorneys, court systems, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and other individuals and organisations. 

The persons served by rehabilitation psychologists are holistically viewed as active partners in the rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation psychologists work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of professionals and individuals to expand opportunities for participation. The people served by the program are provided with greater opportunities for social relationships and activities, recreational, educational, and employment opportunities, as well as involvement in the community in general. 

People with disabilities or chronic illnesses can face challenges every day, making their daily tasks more difficult. The same is true for those suffering from mental health issues, substance abuse issues, or chronic pain, as they may also have difficulty getting the support they need. 

Psychologists who specialise in rehabilitation aid people in dealing with the mental and physical challenges that their health conditions present. Patients are often taught how to adapt and make good health choices by their physicians.  

Goals of Rehabilitation Psychology 

• Psychologists working in rehabilitation work in hospitals and health care centres, as well as in assisted living and long-term care facilities. Specialised workers may be employed by pain and sports injury centres or cardiac rehabilitation centres. 
• Individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions should receive rehabilitation psychology services to improve the quality of their lives. From the support that people receive from their family and friends to their relationships with their team of treatment providers, rehabilitation psychologists are concerned with everything that contributes to an individual’s wellness and recovery.  

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rehabilitation Psychology 

Rehabilitation is a process that has both positive and negative aspects. Those in need of rehabilitation often believe that it will solve their problem, but they fail to realise that it requires more than just a specific medication or treatment to get them to the finish line. Counselling, guidance, and behavioural strategies may assist an individual in achieving success during rehabilitation. As a result, some facilities allow clients to opt in and out of treatment, depending on their ability to manage treatment and society. 

Advantages of Rehabilitation Psychology 

• In many cases, rehabilitation can save a person’s life. 
• In order to achieve long-term success in recovery, you should go to a rehabilitation centre. 
• With rehabilitation, you can begin to rebuild your relationships. 
• Getting your life back through rehabilitation can be a life-changing experience. 
• By using the patient’s own efforts, rehabilitation aims to restore an individual’s lost functions and alter or improve their current functioning.  
• Professionals may also implement rehabilitation with the aid of educators and specialists in social welfare.  

  Disadvantages of Rehabilitation Psychology 

• When undergoing rehabilitation, most individuals experience withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, and mood swings. They are experienced by the patients in order to adjust to the treatment, according to the American Psychiatric Association (2002).  

• Ultimately, completing treatment programs is possible, but the success is determined by the individual. If they maintain a positive attitude and dedicate the necessary time, they will succeed. 

Conclusion 

Rehabilitation psychology was one of the first specialties within professional psychology that focused on personal health and optimal adjustment in the social, personal, and vocational roles among people with disabilities and chronic health problems as opposed to the primary practice areas of professional psychology that dealt with mental health issues.