Exploring How People With Intellectual Disabilities Experience the Therapeutic Alliance: A 'Best Fit' Framework...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Intellectual Disability Research
• Therapeutic Alliance Studies

Background:

• Growing interest in therapeutic alliance within talking therapy for individuals with intellectual disability.
• Limited exploration of established therapeutic alliance frameworks, like Bordin's model, in this population.
• Need to understand how existing models apply to the unique experiences of people with intellectual disability in therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the applicability of Bordin's (1979) model of therapy alliance to the experiences of people with intellectual disability in talking therapy.
• To identify core themes of therapeutic alliance from the perspective of individuals with intellectual disability.
• To determine if Bordin's model adequately captures these experiences.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative literature review of 23 papers focusing on people with intellectual disability's experiences in talking therapy.
• Utilized a 'best fit' framework synthesis approach.
• Applied Bordin's model as a framework for analysis.

Main Results:

• Bordin's core themes of bond, task, and goals were supported in the analysis.
• An additional theme emerged: the extension of the therapist's role to include active advocacy and support outside of therapy.
• The findings indicate a strong resonance between the participants' experiences and the proposed model.

Conclusions:

• The experiences of people with intellectual disability in talking therapy are consistent with Bordin's model of therapeutic alliance.
• The study suggests Bordin's model is a valuable framework for understanding this therapeutic relationship.
• Further research specifically examining Bordin's model within this context is recommended.