An interview study of people with learning disabilities' experience of, and satisfaction with, group analytic therapy

A number of clinicians have developed psychodynamic treatments for people with learning disabilities, but there have been few studies assessing the impact of psychodynamic therapy with this population. In particular, there have been no studies in which investigators have asked clients about their experience of psychodynamic treatment. The current study is an attempt to rectify this by exploring people with learning disabilities' experiences of, and satisfaction with, two psychodynamic groups provided by an inner city service. Nine learning-disabled clients, four from a sexual offenders' group and five from a women's group, were interviewed about their experience of psychodynamic group psychotherapy. Their responses were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Participants suggested that they valued the therapists and the group, and appreciated the opportunity to talk about painful experiences and be included and valued in the group. However, participants also indicated that they found the group emotionally painful, on occasion found it hard to identify with other group members, and were often unaware of any positive change in themselves. These interview findings complement ongoing quantitative attempts to establish the impact of psychodynamic treatment for this population.