Monitoring Change in Psychotherapy with People with Intellectual Disabilities: the Application of the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale

Abstract

Background The assimilation model and the assimilation of problematic experiences scale (APES), provide a structured account of changes occurring within psychotherapy. The model proposes that the clients assimilate their problematic experience through the development of schema observable in the psychotherapeutic setting. The model provides a way of describing change in psychotherapy independent of affiliation to a single theoretical school. This paper aims to demonstrate the application of APES methodology to psychotherapy with people with intellectual disabilities.Methods An innovative research procedure is implemented, utilizing transcript and rating procedures in relation to a client and therapist dialogue within psychodynamic psychotherapy. Outcome data is collected from psychometric questionnaires. Quantitative data and qualitative methods are combined to portray results in the format of a single case study.Results The presented case illustrates assimilation achieved by a client with intellectual disabilities within and across psychotherapy sessions. Outcome data is also provided.Conclusions This study provides a newly obtained information on the applicability of psychotherapy and the assimilation model in relation to this client group. The outcome data acts as a point of reference with which to examine the nature and validity of APES findings. The present authors argue that process research has a significant role in advancing our understanding of psychotherapy with the people with intellectual disabilities.