Dunn Y, Summers SJ, Dagnan D. Facilitating transformative endings: Therapists' experience of ending therapy with people with intellectual disabilities-An interpretative phenomenological analysis.
J Appl Res Intellect Disabil 2024;
37:e13162. [PMID:
37816696 DOI:
10.1111/jar.13162]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Endings in therapy are discussed widely in mainstream literature, however, there is only a small amount of research that considers endings in therapy for people with intellectual disabilities.
METHODS
Eight therapists were interviewed about their experience of ending therapy with people with intellectual disabilities. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
RESULTS
Four superordinate themes associated with endings that go well were identified: 'recognising', 'readying', 'reframing' and reflecting', with a fifth theme reflecting endings that were less successful. Participants worked hard to offer transformative experiences of endings and an overarching 'super-superordinate' theme of 'facilitating transformative endings' encompassed the findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Endings are a multi-faceted component of psychological therapy with people with intellectual disabilities and are significant for both client and therapist. We discuss implications for therapy adaptations and future research.
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