Clinical psychologists’ experiences of delivering trauma-focused therapy with individuals with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing psychological trauma compared to the general population. Over the past decade, the availability and application of evidence-based models of trauma-therapy has increased. The delivery of such models is acknowledged to be a complex and demanding process for the therapist; however, currently little is known about the experience of therapists delivering these interventions. The current study therefore aimed to explore the lived experiences of Clinical Psychologists delivering trauma-focused therapies with individuals with intellectual disabilities.Six Clinical Psychologists were interviewed regarding their experiences of delivering trauma-focused therapies with people with intellectual disabilities. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Four superordinate themes were identified through the analysis: ‘Therapists’ confidence’, ‘Systemic challenges’, ‘Managing the emotional impact’, and ‘Accessible support’. Themes illustrated the challenges that Psychologists experience when delivering trauma-focused therapies and the emotional impact of these. A changing emotional impact was noted over time, with Psychologists adopting different approaches to managing emotional involvement. The importance of accessible external support was emphasised; however, difficulties in accessing this were highlighted.The results of this study draw attention to the challenges Psychologists face in delivering trauma-focused therapies with individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings prompt further consideration of how trauma-focused therapies fit within a wider context of clients’ unmet social needs and inaccessible support for Psychologists.