Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
James McParland
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Narrative Therapy ◽  
Disability Services ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Therapy Interventions

Purpose – Narrative therapy is aligned with government priorities for learning disabilities as it promotes inclusion and seeks to empower. While research on narrative therapy in learning disability services is emerging, it has not been critically evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to identify, summarise and critique the extant literature that has explored narrative therapy for adults with learning disabilities, and consider the implications for research and clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach – A literature search identified seven relevant case studies that described individual narrative therapy interventions for adults with learning disabilities. A qualitative review of these studies was carried out. Findings – Overall, the reviewed studies offer tentative evidence for the short-term usefulness of narrative therapy for difficulties with anger and qualitative benefits for ritualistic behaviour, social anxiety and stealing behaviour. Research limitations/implications – A number of methodological issues are identified, particularly concerning the use of outcome measures and the generalisability of findings. The research is limited due to a reliance on case study evidence and outcome measures that lack validity and reliability. Both larger scale and more robust research, and high quality practice-based evidence, are required. Practical implications – Learning disability services could consider providing narrative therapy for people with learning disabilities experiencing anger problems and other psychological difficulties. Clinical practice suggestions are identified, such as choosing relevant metaphors and including the individual’s wider system. Originality/value – This paper provides an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the literature on narrative therapy for people with learning disabilities that will be of use to clinicians providing therapeutic support and to people commissioning such services.

scholarly journals “Is it because I’m gormless?” A commentary on “Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review”

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Narrative Therapy ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Future Work

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on “Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review”. Design/methodology/approach – This commentary reflects on the use of Narrative therapy and considers it in the wider context of assisting people with learning disabilities to develop self-understanding. The commentary makes connections between the use of Narrative therapy and narrative approaches to research reporting. Findings – The use of Narrative therapy can assist in the development of positive personal stories for individuals with learning disabilities. Case study research provides a useful reference point from which to develop future work. Reporting of case studies sometimes omits data that might be useful for others attempting to replicate findings. Originality/value – This paper highlights the need for authors to ensure that the “small details” are included in research reporting. A narrative approach, rich in detail of research participants might enable authors to tell a “thicker” story, thus improving generalisability.

Handle with care: providing pre-trial therapy for adults with learning disabilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-243
Author(s):  
Clare Le Roux ◽  
Mandy Leach
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
The Common ◽  
Vulnerable Adults

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the provision of therapy for witnesses who have a learning disability prior to and following a criminal trial. Authors will reflect on clinical practice whilst stressing that this area of work is in its infancy and both continue to learn through continued reflection and each new experience. Design/methodology/approach – The paper broadly describes the nature of pre-trial therapy followed by reflection by a Counsellor and Supervisor on their clinical practice. Findings – Authors describe some of the common themes that arise whilst providing pre-trial therapy. Social implications – The authors hope that the paper will encourage professionals involved in Safeguarding cases to fully consider the emotional needs of victims and to seek timely therapeutic support where the need presents. They also hope that it will encourage practitioners from various professions to consider providing this specialist and delicate type of therapy whilst highlighting the need for good supervision. Originality/value – There is a paucity of written information about this specific subject area. Although safeguarding of vulnerable adults has grown considerably over the last decade and investigations are now more likely to lead to legal action, the availability of emotional support for victims who have learning disabilities needs to be addressed.

Adults with learning disabilities known to local authorities in Scotland: a national dataset

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
Claire Stuart ◽  
Andrew McKeown ◽  
Angela Henderson ◽  
Chloe Trew
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Analytical Potential ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities

Purpose – Learning Disability Statistics Scotland collects information on adults with learning disabilities who are known to local authorities in Scotland and the services they use. The data collection supports national and local government policy making and is focused on monitoring the implementation of learning disability policy. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Individual level data are requested from all 32 local authorities on adults aged 16-17 who are not in full-time education and those aged 18 and over. Annual data guidance is developed in conjunction with local authorities prior to the collection and is issued to standardise the process and manage avoidable error. The collated data are extracted from local authority administrative data and records are provided on each adult regardless of whether they are currently receiving a service. Anonymisation takes place prior to upload and strict guidelines are followed to ensure it is not possible to identify individuals. Findings – The paper provides insights to the project's processes, uses, challenges and future plans. It details the position of the data outputs within a policy context and the role these might play within a broader research agenda. Research limitations/implications – This data includes only adults known to local authority services. Originality/value – The value of the project lies in its strength as a national social care data set comprised of individual level data. This methodology increases the analytical potential of the data set. This paper will be of interest to those interested in data on learning disability and those with an interest in the analytical potential of an individual level national data set.

Social climate in Learning Disability services

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Willets ◽  
Paul Mooney ◽  
Nicholas Blagden
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
Social Climate ◽  
Disability Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The social climate of psychiatric institutions correlates with multiple outcomes related to staff and patients. Research into social climate in Learning Disability services is limited. Staff and patients in Learning Disability services have documented both positive and negative experiences. No research has directly compared the social climate of Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric services. The purpose of this paper is to understand how these compare. The study will also compare staff and patient views of social climate and the impact of security on social climate in Learning Disability services. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 64 patients and 73 staff, from Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric hospitals completed the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) measure of social climate. Findings – Patients in Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability services did not differ in their perceptions of social climate. Staff in non-Learning Disability services had a more positive perception of social climate than staff in Learning Disability services. Patients and staff did not differ in their views on climate. Security was negatively related to patients’ Experienced Safety. Originality/value – The findings suggest that staff perceive that the deficits associated with Learning Disabilities may limit patients’ therapeutic experience and relationships with their peers. Despite this, patients with Learning Disabilities feel supported by their peers, have positive views of the treatment process and feel as safe as non-Learning Disabled psychiatric patients.

Ordinary lives means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46
Author(s):  
Christopher Goodey
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
General Sense ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Adult Lives

Purpose This paper aims to look forward to the next generation of policymaking on learning disability and recommends a unitary strategy covering all phases of life including childhood. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the author addresses the policy gap between inclusion in ordinary (“mainstream”) schools and inclusion in ordinary adult life. The author asks why what has been accepted, at least in principle, for the adult two-thirds of the learning disabled population is still contested for the other, younger third. In the following sections, the author summarises the present discrepancy, compares the rights of children in general with those of people with learning disabilities and outlines the rationale for a 0-99 years focus in research and practice on learning disability, and for future government strategy to establish a 0-99 policy. Findings It is in the broad context of a unitary 0-99 years approach that policymaking must in future be addressed. The education of children is key to the success of their adult lives, and makes the policy of educating them together in ordinary schools (i.e. giving them from the start the “ordinary lives” that are the main goal of adult policy) an imperative. Originality/value The need to consider children’s rights in a general sense has not previously been applied to the field of policymaking for adults with learning disabilities.

Commentary on “Specialist community teams for adults with learning disabilities: referrals to a countywide service in England”

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Lawrence Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
National Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Processing Demands ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
The Way

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper “Specialist community teams for adults with learning disabilities: referrals to a countywide service in England” by Isabel Clare and colleagues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews some themes presented in this paper relating to the practice and management of community teams for adults with learning disability within the context of recent national service initiatives.FindingsThere is a limited literature on the practice, purpose and service caseload management of community teams. Taken in the context of recent national service initiatives, the paper by Clareet al.illustrates the gaps between the way community teams are currently processing demands and how these services will likely need to behave in future.Originality/valueThere is little recent literature examining the purpose of, and management approaches in, community teams and this addition should stimulate some further consideration of how community teams need to adjust to meet changing demands.

Brick by brick: building up our knowledge base on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Good Thing ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Many Sources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the myriad ways to find out about abuse towards people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach – Whilst acknowledging the continued importance of research studies specifically focused on the topic of abuse, this commentary reviews information about abuse of adults with learning disabilities from other sources, e.g., through service audits, studies on sexual and personal relationships. Findings – Having many sources of information about abuse against people with learning disabilities is a good thing, but there are some problems associated with this. First, some forms of abuse appear to be easier to find out about than others, and second, the difficult question of how the information can be used to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. Originality/value – This commentary encourages readers to take a broad view of abuse of people with learning disabilities and to use all the knowledge available to support individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes.

scholarly journals Learning disability market position statements, are they fit for purpose?

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Broadhurst ◽  
Keri Landau
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Market Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Senior Officers ◽  
Market Shaping

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review whether current learning disability market position statements (MPS) are actually helping to shape the market and explore their implications for people with learning disabilities and their families. Design/methodology/approach Published learning disability MPS were identified via the Institute of Public Care’s MPS database. The quality of the MPS was analysed using a good practice checklist developed by a range of stakeholders. Findings Learning disability MPS are not currently fit for purpose. They demonstrate that local authorities are not fully engaging in their market-shaping duties, as required under The Care Act 2014. It is suggested that this is in part due to the lack of recognition that market shaping is a council-wide responsibility and can only be successful if senior officers across the council (and their partners) acknowledge this and are held accountable. Unless this happens, people with learning disabilities will continue to lack the enablers that support them to lead the lives they choose in their communities. Originality/value This is the first review of the quality and potential impact of learning disability MPS.

Learning disability and the Scottish Mental Health Act

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-82
Author(s):  
Heather Welsh ◽  
Gary Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Scottish Government ◽  
Health Legislation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 for people with learning disabilities in Scotland, in the context of the recent commitment by the Scottish Government to review the place of learning disability (LD) within the Act. Design/methodology/approach All current compulsory treatment orders (CTO) including LD as a type of mental disorder were identified and reviewed. Data was collected on duration and type of detention (hospital or community based) for all orders. For those with additional mental illness and/or personality disorder, diagnoses were recorded. For those with LD only, symptoms, severity of LD and treatment were recorded. Findings In total, 11 per cent of CTOs included LD as a type of mental disorder. The majority of these also included mental illness. The duration of detention for people with LD only was almost double that for those without LD. A variety of mental illness diagnoses were represented, psychotic disorders being the most common (54 per cent). Treatment was broad and multidisciplinary. In all, 87 per cent of people with LD only were prescribed psychotropic medication authorised by CTO. Originality/value There has been limited research on the use of mental health legislation for people with learning disabilities. This project aids understanding of current practice and will be of interest to readers both in Scotland and further afield. It will inform the review of LD as a type of mental disorder under Scottish mental health law, including consideration of the need for specific legislation.

scholarly journals Commentary on “promoting positive communication environments: a service evaluation”: the communication partnership as a focus for change

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bunning
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Communication ◽  
Communication Environments ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Instructional Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to debate the complexities of intervening with adults with learning disabilities and support staff in the natural environment and challenges of evaluating change. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the relevance and amenability of communication partnerships for interventions that promote communication growth in context was carried out. Particular consideration was given to the mechanism for change and implications for research design. Findings The communication partnership is a reasonable focus for interventions aiming to promote the communication of adults with learning disabilities. Combining instructional training with in situ coaching appears to provide the most effective approach. Bringing about change within the dynamic context of communication is challenging and may benefit from an open, investigative design. Originality/value This paper synthesises the available evidence on intervening in the communication environment and debates the potential of realist evaluation as a context-focused research design.

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