Individuals with intellectual disabilities experiences of the therapeutic relationship

Parker, Sarah

Abstract

Background: In the UK higher rates of mental health difficulties are experienced by those with intellectual disabilities (ID) than by those without. Despite this there is a lack of understanding about how best to support these individuals. Recently, there has been a move towards more individuals with ID being offered psychotherapeutic support. The evidence base regarding the use of psychotherapies for individuals with ID is still limited. The therapeutic relationship does appear to be important but further understanding is needed.
Aims: To gain insight into how individuals with ID experience the therapeutic relationship
Methods: 6 participants were recruited from an NHS adult ID service that provided psychotherapeutic support. Semi-structured interviews focused on the therapeutic relationship were analysed with use of interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results: Six personal experiential themes arose from the participants’ experience of the therapeutic relationship: 1) A person-centred experience, 2) The importance of adaptations, 3) ‘I feel like I know you’, 4) A secure base is offered, 5) Change does occur, 6) An overlap of subjective experience.
Implications for counselling psychology: This study highlights that the therapeutic relationship is an important part of psychotherapy for individuals with ID. Empathy, warmth, security and adaptations are important. Therapists working with this client group need knowledge and willingness to provide these. Participants recognised the efforts of therapists to offer considered support and this created a sense of a shared intersubjective experience. This was something which participants did not experience elsewhere, but which facilitate personal growth. This suggests that the opportunity for a new positive relationship within psychotherapy is important for individuals with ID. This study also highlights that with some adaptations and careful consideration to ethics, individuals with ID can engage with qualitative research.
Conclusions: This is the first known study to directly ask individuals with ID about their experience of the therapeutic relationship. The current findings suggest that the therapeutic relationship is important for individuals with ID. The research also demonstrated that individuals with ID can engage in qualitative research. Areas for future research are discussed.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 29, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 15, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10014255
• Award Date: May 15, 2023