Joshua Wellman and colleagues argue that those with learning disabilities could benefit from having a mix of individual and group therapy

Group interventions offer an alternative means of providing psychological support to people with intellectual (learning) disabilities. This case study explores the use of offering a transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) ‘top-up’ group therapy intervention as an adjunct to individual CBT. Five participants with mild intellectual disabilities attended a therapy group that drew on transdiagnostic CBT to treat various psychological difficulties. Group content focused on sharing a broad range of transferable coping skills. Attendees experienced benefits in self-esteem, overall mental health, social and behavioural functioning and reductions in psychological distress.

Participant feedback and facilitators’ reflections highlighted other unique outcomes. Group top-up therapy may offer a useful means of consolidating coping skills, empowering service users to become more active in their recovery