Factors that influence outcomes for clients with an intellectual disability

ABSTRACT

Is counselling effective for clients with an intellectual disability? This question hovers in the minds of busy practitioners who question not only the ability of these clients to derive benefit from counselling but also their own ability to provide an effective service. However, this simplistic binary question does not do justice to the complexities of either the counselling process or the lives of those with an intellectual disability. A more useful question would be, ‘What factors influence the counselling outcomes of these clients?’ This review invites practitioners to refrain from questioning abilities, but rather to reflect on their practice in light of this latter question. Researchers are invited to broaden the scope of their inquiry to further assist practitioners’ reflections.

Keywords:

• counselling
• intellectual difficulties
• outcomes
• leaning difficulties

Acknowledgements

As a doctoral candidate I wish to acknowledge the support of my supervisory team. I extend my thanks to Professor Bob Manthei, Professor Garry Hornby, Associate Professor Anne Bray, Associate Professor Judi Miller and Dr. Mirfin-Veitch.

Notes

1. For a description of this study and previously published data, see Raffensperger and Miller (2005).

2. These previously unpublished quotes were taken from data gathered in the 2004 New Zealand study which is detailed in Raffensperger and Miller (2005).