Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder are more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) than in the general population, yet the evidence base for trauma interventions in this population is sparse. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) may be particularly well-suited to PWID for a number of reasons, including its adaptability to different developmental levels. PWID are more likely to have issues with self-relating (e.g. shame and self-criticism) and attachment than the general population, two issues that are compounded by trauma and which CFT explicitly seeks to address. Furthermore, compassion-focused approaches emphasize cultivating a sense of safeness while empowering people to make behavioural changes; this is particularly pertinent to PWID who have been traumatized and may feel unsafe and disempowered. An overview of CFT and its application to trauma are given, as well as some case studies using CFT with PWID.

Accessible summary The tree of life group is based on ideas from narrative therapy. Narrative therapy is about using stories about ourselves to understand how we make sense of our lives. We ran a tree of life group for women with learning disabilities. In the group, people drew trees to show different things that were important in their lives. People liked hearing about each others' lives and hearing what other people liked about their trees. Abstract Background: This study describes how a specific narrative therapy approach called ‘the tree of life’ was adapted to run a group for women with learning disabilities. The group consisted of four participants and ran for five consecutive weeks. Materials and Methods: Participants each constructed a tree to represent their lives and presented their tree to the group who responded with positive feedback and affirming statements. This led to discussion about overcoming the storms of life and a celebration of the journey the group had been through together. Key Results: Although no change was found on quantitative measures of well‐being and self‐esteem, participants reported benefitting from the peer support and social connectedness that the group offered, particularly in relation to themes of loss and change in their lives. Conclusions: ‘The tree of life’ approach has potential value as an intervention for people with learning disabilities. The benefits and challenges of this approach within the context of working with people with learning disabilities are discussed.

The effectiveness of a range of psychological models adapted for use with people with intellectual disabilities has been well documented. A number of studies have used qualitative methods to examine people with intellectual disabilities' experiences of these adapted interventions. Such research is important for identifying service users' views on the helpful and challenging aspects of psychological interventions to ensure that they meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. To consolidate this research, a systematic review using a meta-ethnographic approach was undertaken. A systematic search identified 16 relevant studies. These studies were reviewed, critically appraised and key themes were extracted. Five key concepts were identified: adapting to therapy, the therapeutic environment, group dynamics, the therapeutic relationship and the impact of therapy on life. The need for further consideration of power differentials within the therapeutic relationship and further adaptations to ensure accessibility of therapy for people with intellectual disabilities is discussed.

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Introduction: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has a growing evidence base and several authors have recognised the advantages of applying this approach with people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this review is to summarise and critique the literature that has used solution-focused (SF) approaches in ID, and consider future directions. Methods: A literature review was carried out, identifying 12 studies; six with individuals, and six with staff and families. Results: There is preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SFBT for individuals with mild ID and Solution Focused Coaching or Consultation (SFC) for staff working with individuals with moderate and severe ID. However, the current evidence-base consists primarily of case studies.Recommended adaptations include shortened scales and more concrete approaches to eliciting exception-seeking Conclusions: Solution-focused techniques should be modified to accommodate the cognitive abilities of people with ID and carers should be involved in sessions where possible. There is a need for further controlled studies, with valid and reliable outcome measures, larger samples and longitudinal data.