Abstract

'The major barrier in the way of competent counselling provision for people with learning disabilities is not the presence of a learning disability, but the lack of understand of the relevance of counselling by potential referrers... Sally Hodges has written for a wide range of professionals who work with people with learning disabilities, and introduces theoretical concepts in an accessible way by using clinical vignettes to illustrate each point.

An introduction to theory and some time spent thinking about different life stages, personal histories, presenting problems and relationship issues will provide an invaluable introduction to the emotional worlds of people with learning disabilities.' - from the Foreword by Sheila Hollins, Professor of Psychiatry of Learning Disability, St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London.

Counselling Adults with Learning Disabilities draws on a psychodynamic framework to bring toegher current ideas and thinking in an approachable and practical way. Through vivid clinical material and case examples, the book creatively illustrates how complex theories can be translated into clinical practice. Common problems are tackled and addressed within a lifespan framework, with attention given to key issues such as:

· bereavement
· abuse
· mental illness
· challenging behabiour
· sexual relationships
· relationships with peers, families and staff.

Additionally, given the increasing importance of evidence-based pratice, the book concludes with a review of the literature in the area of learning disabilities, and its efficacy.

SALLY HODGES is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Tavistock Clinic with their Learning Disabilities Service. Previously she worked for learning disabilities services in Redbridge and Plymouth.

SALLY HODGES is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working with both the learning disabilities and autism services offered by the Tavistock Clinic.
'The major barrier in the way of competent counselling provision for people with learning disabilities is not the presence of a learning disability, but the lack of understanding of the relevance of counselling by potential referrers...Sally Hodges has written for a wide range of professionals who work with people with learning disabilities, and introduces theoretical concepts in an accessible way by using clinical vignettes to illustrate each point.
An introduction to theory and some time spent thinking about different life stages, personal histories, presenting problems and relationship issues will provide an invaluable introduction to the emotional worlds of people with learning disabilities.' - from the Foreword by Sheila Hollins, Professor of Psychiatry of Learning Disability, St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London
'This is a book for front-line staff who wish to know more about the place that counselling might have in helping their clients to cope with emotional distress. This excellent book is likely to be of interest to all who work with adults with learning difficulties.' - Oliver Russell, Honorary Research Fellow, Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol, Community Care

'This book is expressly addressed at professionals who work with adults with learning difficulties. It is written in a very clear and comprehensible style with a large number of pertinent case studies that make it accessible toa wide range of readers including those who have little theoretical knowledge of counselling or learning disability. However, while being an extremely useful and practical handbook, this book also refers to a range of different theoretical perspectives and texts and thus deserves a wider audience that should include those involved in university teaching and research.' - Liz Maudslay, Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities), London, International Journal of Lifelong Education