The experiences of staff taking on the role of lay therapist in a group-based cognitive behavioural therapy anger management intervention for people with intellectual disabilities

Stimpson, A., Kroese, B.S., MacMahon, P., Rose, N., Townson, J., Felce, D., Hood, K., Jahoda, A. , Rose, J. and Willner, P. (2013) The experiences of staff taking on the role of lay therapist in a group-based cognitive behavioural therapy anger management intervention for people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26(1), pp. 63-70. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12006)

Abstract

<p>Aim - To explore the experience of ‘lay therapists’ of a group-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) anger management intervention.</p> <p>Background - Staff employed in daytime opportunity services for adults with intellectual disabilities took on the role of ‘lay therapist’ to facilitate CBT groups.</p> <p>Methods - They were trained and supervised by clinical psychologists and interviewed 2–6 weeks after the last group session. Their experiences were explored by means of a qualitative approach, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).</p> <p>Results - Several key themes emerged from the interview data such as ‘hopes and fears’, ‘having a framework’, ‘making it work’, ‘observing progress’, ‘ingredients of success’, ‘the therapist role’ and ‘taking the group forward’.</p> <p>Conclusions - These themes indicate that participants' experiences had been perceived as positive for themselves, the service users as well as the relevant organization although initially the therapist role had appeared daunting.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jahoda, Professor Andrew and MacMahon, Dr Pamela
• Authors: Stimpson, A., Kroese, B.S., MacMahon, P., Rose, N., Townson, J., Felce, D., Hood, K., Jahoda, A., Rose, J., and Willner, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• ISSN: 1360-2322
• Published Online: 18 December 2012