Staff expectations and views of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for adults with intellectual disabilities

Stenfert Kroese, B., Jahoda, A. , Pert, C., Trower, P., Dagnan, D. and Selkirk, M. (2014) Staff expectations and views of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(2), pp. 145-153. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12059) (PMID:23682016)

Abstract

Background: The role of support workers and other professionals in the psychotherapeutic process has been commented upon but not as yet been systematically investigated.<p></p> Method: To explore their views and expectations of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for adults with intellectual disabilities, eleven paid support workers and professionals were recruited and interviewed before the CBT sessions commenced for their service users and nine took part in the second interview that took place after nine sessions.<p></p> Results: Thematic Analysis of the interview transcripts indicates that staff members do not perceive CBT as a long-term solution for psychological problems have little knowledge of CBT and do not feel included in the process. Nevertheless, after nine sessions, most participants reported improved psychological well-being for their service users and expressed a wish for longer-term involvement of the therapist.<p></p> Conclusions: The results suggest that for CBT to be effective in the longer term, the therapist is required to consider a wider systemic approach including staff training and supervision, staff and management consultancy and creating a delicate balance between confidentiality and sharing the psychological formulation with ‘significant others’ to ensure maintenance and generalisation of improved psychological well-being.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Trower, Mr Peter and Pert, Dr Carol and Jahoda, Professor Andrew and Dagnan, Professor Dave
• Authors: Stenfert Kroese, B., Jahoda, A., Pert, C., Trower, P., Dagnan, D., and Selkirk, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• ISSN: 1360-2322
• ISSN (Online): 1468-3148