Adapting cognitive analytic therapy to treat trauma related distress in an adult with an intellectual disability: a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to outline the process of adapting a 16 session cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) procedure for a service user with an intellectual disability (ID), to address trauma related distress. It discussed the case of Tom, a young male who has been diagnosed with a moderate ID, who was seen for psychological therapy due to concerns over self-neglect and self-harm. Tom was sexually and physically abused by someone he met through his friends. Design/methodology/approach An overview of the therapeutic process and the adaptations made to Tom’s therapy are provided, to provide a case example of how CAT can be used to help a person with a ID overcome their trauma related distress. Findings Over the course of therapy, Tom made observable changes in his quality of life, such as becoming more independent, starting to trust other people again and reported improvements in his mood. Practical implications This example of successful therapy aims to encourage other practitioners to incorporate CAT principles to support people with ID and stimulate a wider literature base on how CAT can be made accessible to the ID population. Originality/value To their knowledge, there are few detailed case examples in the available literature of how CAT can be used with people with ID. By providing a detailed case report, it is hoped that this paper can help practitioners adapt their practice when working with similar service users.