3. LISTENING TO PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Lead Inclusive Counselling – a counselling service specialising in the area of
learning disabilities.
My name is Selina Allen. I am a qualified counsellor but also have many years of
experience working in the field of Learning disabilities. It is my unique skill mix of
counselling and my extensive knowledge and skills in communication that will enable me
to help people with learning disabilities to communicate effectively within their
counselling sessions.
People with learning disabilities are just the same as you and I. They struggle with the
same issues that may take us to counselling, such as depression, bereavement, relationship
issues and poor self-esteem. For us though we can just avail of any of the services widely
available. For people with learning disabilities this is not as easy because their
communication and social interaction difficulties can cause barriers to full expression and
comprehension.
As their counsellor it is my role to adapt MY communication to suit THEIR level of
understanding and expression. The sessions are client-led, which means that I will always
work at a pace which is comfortable for them. The therapeutic relationship is paramount,
so I endeavour to create an empathic, trusting atmosphere with total acceptance. To
facilitate the sessions, I use a selection of creative therapy approaches in order to engage
the clients, creating other means aside from speech to convey their thoughts and feelings.
The ethos of my business is to bridge the communication gap and enable people with
learning disabilities to have the same access to confidential counselling as everyone else, at
a level that is appropriate to them.
4. LISTENING TO PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
GROUP WORK
I offer various groups for people with Learning Disabilities, in areas such as self-esteem
and emotions. The aim of the groups is to enable the participants to gain a better sense
of themselves and their own unique qualities and internal resources – this knowledge is
paramount for people with learning disabilities to be able to deal with the inevitable
‘ups and downs’ of life!
Some of the benefits of group work are:-
Encourages new friendships
Promotes a sense of validation and normalisation
Increases confidence
Promotes effective and successful communication
Express and share personal views confidently
Better understanding and appreciation of others
The groups will be facilitated using the appropriate level of language, pictures and Makaton
signing and encourage creative work to maximise expression, ensuring that each client can
fully participate.
Please look on my website or contact me to see which groups are currently running
5. LISTENING TO PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
WORKSHOP FOR STAFF MEMBERS
Staff members that work in the learning disability field are at the forefront of their lives.
My awareness session will focus on how to properly support someone with a learning
disability when they are going through a stressful/emotional time in their lives such as
bereavement or an episode of depression.
Areas the session will cover are:–
To explore reasons/causes of emotional stress
To explore feelings and behaviours in response to loss and/or emotional stress
To explore attachments and relationships formed throughout our life
To understand barriers people with LD come across in their life
To understand the importance of our role in the person with LD’s life
To explore how the way we interact and communicate can affect the person with LD
and how they cope
To learn practical ways to promote meaningful communication
To learn how to respond appropriately when someone with a LD wants to talk about
their feelings
To be aware of when professional counselling would be beneficial
6. LISTENING TO PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
1:1 COUNSELLING FOR PARENTS/CARERS
Not only do I provide 1:1 counselling for people with learning disabilities, but I also offer this
service for anybody who supports someone with a learning disability. This may include
parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members. Counselling for parents/carers
may be required for a range of difficulties such as:-
Acceptance of diagnosis
Concerns about physical/mental health of person with learning disability
Coping with sibling rivalry
Exploring conflicting thoughts and feelings
Stress associated with caring duties
Exploration of anxiety about changes and/or decision making
Anxiety at specific times of transition such as leaving school, moving to residential
care or supported living
Debt/money issues
Any other general parenting issues
Bereavement, trauma or loss
Offering you the time and space to tell your story in a confidential, non-judgemental
environment will help to improve your relationships with others and feel happier about
yourself and your circumstances.
