Mindfulness as described in modern psychology relates to a way of people bringing complete attention to their present experience and involves responding to that experience with a non-judgmental attitude.The authors of this study wanted to review the adaptation and application of mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic practices for people with learning disabilities.
They provide an overview of the adaptation and use of mindfulness practices in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders and maladaptive behaviours, as well as an exploration of current research related to mindfulness-based stress management for parents and caregivers.
They suggest that the current evidence base and data from practice support mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic practices as clinically effective in the treatment of anxiety, mood, stress, aggression, and self-injury in individuals with learning disabilities and also supports enhanced coping and stress management in their parents and caregivers.
They conclude that the skills-based practices of mindfulness-based psychotherapy make it easily adaptable and applicable for use with people with learning disabilities who have mental health issues or challenging behaviour. They point out however that at the present time, there is very little in the literature on mindfulness based approaches and recommend that further research in this area be carried out. Keywords
The adaptation and application of mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Robertson B, in Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities 5, 5, 46-52
I am working with adult with severe learning difficulties and am aware of more stress amongst them and my co workers. I will be trying to introduce some mindful practices into my sessions any advice would be appreciated. I practise meditation and trained many years ago as a stress manager so have some insight . I truly believe that it is an area well worth exploring.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences.
I have found this book a really useful introduction to mindfulness theory and practice:
Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world
by Prof Mark Williams and Dr Danny Penman, 2011.
We have quite a few mindfulness blogs here on the National Elf Service: http://www.nationalelfservice.net/treatment/mindfulness/
You may also be interested in this webinar that’s happening on Friday: Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. http://blogs.bmj.com/ebmh/2015/10/01/61/
Good luck with getting this set up locally. Let us know how you get on :-)
Cheers, André