The Life Skills group ‐ an introductory multi‐modular group programme in forensic learning disability

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative, multi-modular group therapy programme based on cognitive-behavioural principles and psychoeducation. It introduces participants to strategies and skills to assist with deficits such as poor social skills, low self-esteem, poor emotional regulation and problematic inter-personal relationships. The manual-based format of this programme enables members to be introduced to working in a group, and enables facilitators to obtain qualitative information about group members to promote existing skills in future treatment programmes. The core deficit areas targeted by the programme are not by any means exclusive to individuals in in-patient forensic learning disability settings, so the programme can be useful for clients with learning disability and offending behaviours who are resident in the community.

Personality disorders in offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of clinical, forensic and outcome variables and implications for service provision

“…2005; Alexander et al. 2007; Hearne et al. 2007; Thomas & Large 2009) adapted for those with intellectual disadvantage and delivered by professionals who specialise in working with people with developmental disabilities.…”

“…Economies of scale, as well as availability of a critical mass of expertise may mean that these developmental level specific treatment programmes are best delivered in specialised ID units. Within this unit for example, the treatment programmes include within it a number of offence specific and other therapies (Thomas et al 2005;Alexander et al 2007;Hearne et al 2007;Thomas & Large 2009) adapted for those with intellectual disadvantage and delivered by professionals who specialise in working with people with developmental disabilities. The reasonably good outcomes reported from this study, as well as those from similar ID units elsewhere, underscore the advantage of this degree of specialisation (Reed et al 2004;Alexander et al 2006).…”

Psychological treatments in intellectual disability: the challenges of building a good evidence base

“…In particular, the nature of the intervention should be clear and well defined, so that it can be replicated elsewhere. 15 Outcome measures should be appropriate, preferably using validated instruments and standardised. Effective communication between intellectual disability health professionals will also ensure that current work is not duplicated elsewhere and facilitate collaboration.…”

Life Skills Group: increasing foundation knowledge and motivation in offenders with a learning disability

“…Offenders are also likely to experience similar difficulties (Harris et al, 2007); indeed deficits in emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and self-esteem, are integral to offending behaviours (Day, 2001). Moreover, those with a combination of learning disability and offending behaviour present with an even higher clinical need (Hearne et al, 2007).…”