Chronic Illness

Shows how the author approaches work with clients with chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, or lupus. This biopsychosocial approach helps fill in the gaps in medical interventions, which do not look at the broader cultural and psychological effects of a disease on a patient.

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In "Chronic Illness", Dr. Len Sperry shows how he approaches work with clients with chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, or lupus. His approach is to focus on what the disease means to the client and how this viewpoint affects his or her life. This biopsychosocial approach helps fill in the gaps in medical interventions, which do not look at the broader cultural and psychological effects of a disease on a patient. In this session, Dr. Sperry develops a working relationship with a client with lupus, performs a thorough assessment, and then tailors a specific treatment for her that involves greater use of her personal support system.