Psychotherapeutic approaches with people with learning difficulties

Abstract

The use of psychotherapy with clients with learning difficulties is a relatively recent development which has occurred over the past ten years. The first publication in relation to using this approach with this client group was in 1981. Following this much work has been undertaken by the Tavistock Clinic. In addition to this a number of people have become interested in the use of psychotherapy with people with learning difficulties (Cole 1989; Marler & Carroll-Williams 1989; Humphreys et al. 1990). As people with learning difficulties strive to reach their maximum potential they will increasingly need access to the full range of therapies which is available to everyone in the population. This could lead to an increase in demand for this type of service. This chapter will explore some models of psychotherapeutic intervention and will consider a case study in detail to indicate the practical applicability of psychotherapy. The case study presented is a young person with mild learning difficulties. As yet much of the psychotherapeutic work is carried out with people with mild and moderate learning difficulties. However, as therapists become more skilled it may be possible to use this intervention with clients with severe learning difficulties.