Open wounds: visible physical disability and its meaning for the group and society

Abstract

This article presents an exploration of the unconscious social treatment of physical disability and its transformational potential. In particular, I focus on the apparent difficulty talking about underlying emotion stimulated by disability. The social models address discrimination but obscure underlying emotion. The problem of physical disability appears to be located within an individual. I argue that this is done by mechanisms of projection and splitting and refer to the social unconscious and I suggest the problem is located within the group. I explore the process of shame and use myth of the Handless Maiden. I highlight the conductor’s role in facilitating communication and discuss self-disclosure. Personal examples and a group vignette are presented to illustrate ideas.