Abstract
Background: People with learning disabilities experience bereavement in the same emotionally overwhelming way as the general population. The Dual-Process Model of grief is characterised by the oscillation between Loss-Orientation and Restoration-Orientation. These processes involve experiencing and accepting the emotional pain of grief (Loss-Orientation) and adapting to a new world without the deceased person (Restoration-Orientation). Methods: A single case study sought to explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) principles can be used to support people with a learning disability to navigate the grieving process, as understood by the Dual-Process Model. Findings: This case study describes CBT formulation and assessment, and implementation of CBT and CFT strategies in a man with Williams syndrome, demonstrating improvements in mood, and a greater ability to turn towards suffering and experience both Loss- and Restoration-Oriented processing. Conclusion: CBT and CFT may be useful and appropriate modalities for clinicians to consider when supporting people with a learning disability to navigate loss, as understood through the Dual Process Model.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 597-607 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | British Journal Of Learning Disabilities |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 16 Jun 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 2023 |
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.Keywords
- bereavement
- intellectual disability
- learning (intellectual) disabilities
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics
- Phychiatric Mental Health