Intellectual Disability, Trauma and Psychotherapy

People with intellectual disabilities experience emotional and mental health challenges just like anyone else. Yet until recently, there has been limited research into effective psychological treatments or accessible psychotherapy for this group.

Intellectual Disability, Trauma and Psychotherapy addresses this gap by focusing on the provision of psychotherapy services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, the book explores the history, theory, and practical application of psychotherapy across twelve focused chapters. Drawing on the work of influential figures such as Bion, Winnicott, Sinason, and Alvarez, it offers insights into a wide range of therapeutic issues, including:

• Supporting cultural and religious diversity in therapy

• Providing guidance to parents with intellectual disabilities

• Fostering secure and healthy family attachments

• Addressing overwhelming feelings of shame

• Helping clients process and recover from traumatic sexual experiences

Based on over a decade of pioneering work at Respond, a government-funded psychotherapy service in central London for people with learning disabilities, the book examines practical approaches to therapy, whether delivered individually, with families, in groups, or via telephone counselling. It concludes by offering a forward-looking perspective on how to expand and evolve services for this often-overlooked population.