A survey of therapists’ experience of ending therapy with people with intellectual disabilities

Purpose A range of adaptations and therapy processes have been explored in relation to therapy with people with intellectual disabilities; however, there remain a few areas of therapy practice that have not yet been considered in depth. This study aims to report the results of an online survey of the practice of therapists working with people with intellectual disabilities in managing endings in therapy. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-one therapists working with people with intellectual disabilities responded to an online survey. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Three superordinate themes were identified: Theme 1 was “preparing for a therapeutic ending” with subordinate themes of “planning early”, “providing boundaries” and “validating feelings”; Theme 2 was “providing a therapeutic ending”, with subordinate themes of “a collaborative decision” and “fostering growth”; and the third theme was “post-ending issues” in which participants acknowledged a “spectrum of emotion”, and, in the case of difficult endings, a sense of “unfinished business”. Originality/value This is the first systematic exploration of therapy endings as described by therapists working with people with intellectual disabilities. The authors discuss implications for practice and further areas of research.