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Using systemic and psychodynamic psychotherapy with a couple in a community learning disabilities context: a case study
- Authors:
- BARNES Jennifer Clare, SUMMERS S. J.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40(4), December 2012, pp.259-265.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper describes the process of couple therapy with a client who has a mild learning disability and cerebral palsy, and her partner, who also has cerebral palsy. Therapy spanned twelve sessions and was informed by systemic and psychodynamic ways of thinking. Formulations are discussed, and psychological theory is linked to what happened in the therapy room. The current study takes a reflective stance and discusses the process of therapy, which includes successes as well as pitfalls. Pertinent issues for people with learning disabilities are discussed in terms of power dynamics, the impact of physical disability, capacity to consent to therapy and the effects of abuse. The authors concluded that the study shows how psychological theory can help the therapist to decide what to do in therapy and how best to work with the client/s in understanding the problem.