Delivering cognitive behavioural therapy in community services for people with learning disabilities: difficulties, dilemmas, confounds

Abstract

This case study describes an attempt to use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat anger problems in a young man with mild learning disabilities. The skills necessary to engage in CBT were assessed in addition to an assessment of support available, motivation to engage in therapy and belief in ability to make changes. Despite this assessment environmental factors undermined the therapy, which was not completed. Some of the difficulties and dilemmas involved in delivering CBT in ‘ordinary’ community services are discussed, concluding with learning points for consideration by other practitioners.

Citation

Oathamshaw, S. (2007), "Delivering cognitive behavioural therapy in community services for people with learning disabilities: difficulties, dilemmas, confounds", Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/17530180200700016