Introduction

Connections: Unpacking the complexities of disability and relationships in therapeutic conversations

Connections: Unpacking the complexities of disability and relationships in therapeutic conversations

The lived experiences of persons with disabilities in relationships is a broad spectrum where we see societal biases and dominant stereotypes shaping the perceptions of disability in friendships and romantic connections. There is a need for us to deconstruct these assumptions and reflect on our own preconceived notions. These biases also influence the ability of persons with disabilities to form and sustain relationships, enacting consent, boundaries, and the pressures to conform to non-disabled norms.

Connections: Unpacking the complexities of disability and relationships in therapeutic conversations is our third self-learning mental health manual created by Rising Flame with support from Mariwala Health Initiative to respond to these concerns, realities of persons with disabilities and focus on the learning and unlearning needed by mental health workers. The manual published in March 2025 explores disability and relationships through the experiences of persons with disabilities. The manual also offers therapeutic exercises based on narrative practices to help individuals reframe their relationship experiences and overcome limiting beliefs. Ultimately, it advocates for a deeper understanding of diverse needs and the richness disabled individuals bring to all relationships.

On the top left are Rising Flame and Mariwala Health Initiative logos. On the top right is the title: “Connections: Unpacking the complexities of disability and relationships in therapeutic conversations”. There are a pair of large, open hands, which are holding people interacting with each other. In the palm of the hand, a couple sits together where one person has their arm around the other. There is a flowering plant that goes from one person’s back across the extended arm, to wrap around the other. One of them has a hearing aid in their ear. From the centre a bright orange flower emerges from the hands, and inside the flower sits a person holding a pink watering can, gently pouring water onto the plant below. Below the flower still inside the palm of the hand is a person wearing sunglasses, a red shirt, and blue shorts seated on the edge of a large phone. Outside the hands are two figures: one is a person using crutches wearing a green top and red pants. They are taking a selfie with a smartphone, holding it up. The other is a person in a wheelchair wearing an orange top and brown pants who has one arm lifted as they wave. The background has soft watercolour splotches in yellow, pink and blue. Around the people there are also sparkles in yellow and light pink.

Design and illustrations: Paru Ramesh

Through personal accounts and reflections, part 1 highlights the resilience, wisdom, and agency of disabled individuals in navigating relationships as well. It also shows  the significance of disabled friendships and community, emphasising the unique understanding, safety, and mutual support these connections provide.

Part 2 of the manual provides practical exercises rooted in Narrative Practices that mental health professionals and workers can use in their therapeutic conversations with persons with disabilities. These exercises aim to challenge dominant, often deficit-based narratives and to help individuals re-author their identity and relationship stories.

The manual is available for download here. [Note for screen reader users: This manual is best read on a pdf reading software after downloading it.]