The Frankish model of disability psychotherapy in practice: an integrative model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the theory and practice of disability psychotherapy (DP) using the integrative Frankish model (2013a). This draws on the model’s use with a 28-year-old male with a mild intellectual disability (ID) who presented with a range of emotional and behavioural problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study reporting on the practice of DP of psychodynamic orientation.

Findings

Adaptations useful in providing DP with people with IDs and the type of issues which arise are reported.

Research limitations/implications

DP is possible and beneficial in community settings. Limitations of a single case study include generalisability of findings.

Originality/value

Existing papers focus on the model (Frankish, 2013a), development of the emotional development measuring tool (Frankish, 2013b) and contextual issues (Frankish, 2013c). This case study provides novel information on the practice of DP, and analysis of manifestations of white supremacy (Ani, 1994) in psychotherapy with people with IDs.

Citation

McInnis, E.E. (2016), "The Frankish model of disability psychotherapy in practice: an integrative model", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 74-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-09-2015-0041