Interactive and PDF Learning Disability (LD) Adapted Psychotherapy File

Learning Disability Interactive Psychotherapy File

Do you have a Learning Disability and want to explore your experiences and relationship patterns with your psychologist?

Or are you a psychologist working within Cognitive Analytical Therapy with Clients who have a Learning Disability?

Try try the interactive file below. It is suitable for downloading to a mobile phone.

This version was made for adults who have a mild Learning Disability. It is for people who want to understand their feelings and experiences and improve their lives. It uses a therapy called CAT. You can read more about it below.

The app uses:

• Easy-to-read language

• Large text

• Simple choices

• Emoji symbols

• Clear navigation

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It can help people think about experiences such as:

• Other people telling them what to do

• Finding it hard to speak up

• Wanting more independence

• Feeling worried about making mistakes

• Trusting other people

• Being treated unfairly

• Feeling confident and having choices

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You can use it on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. You can also print the PDF version.

Interactive LD Adapted Psychotherapy File

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What is Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)?

Cognitive Analytic Therapy, often shortened to CAT, is a type of talking therapy.

CAT helps people understand:

• How their early experiences affect them today

• Patterns in relationships

• Ways of thinking and feeling

• Why some difficulties keep happening

CAT helps people and therapists work together to understand these patterns.

Often, a simple picture or map is used to show how different experiences connect together.

The aim is not to blame anyone. The aim is to understand what has happened and find helpful ways forward.

Important CAT Ideas

Relationship Patterns

Sometimes we learn patterns from our relationships.

For example:

• Someone criticises → you feel not good enough

• Someone supports you → you feel safe

CAT helps people notice these patterns.

Traps

A trap is when something you do to help yourself accidentally makes the problem bigger.

For example:

You agree to do everything so people will like you → you become overwhelmed and exhausted.

Dilemmas

A dilemma is when two choices both feel difficult.

For example:

• Tell people about your difficulties and worry they may judge you

• Keep it private and not get the support you need

Snags

A snag is when things start to improve, but something gets in the way.

For example:

You are offered help, but part of you feels you do not deserve it.

CAT Maps

CAT sometimes uses a simple visual map.

The map shows:

• What happens

• How different experiences connect together

• What keeps the difficulties going

• Possible ways forward

This can help people understand themselves and find new choices.

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