Support and therapy
How to read the stories

Support and therapy

Psychotherapy

Many children and adults who are struggling to make sense of a difficulty in their lives find a talking and listening treatment helpful – one of the many kinds of psychotherapy and counselling available in the NHS (National Health Service), as well as privately.

What is a talking treatment?

Even those of us with no speech are part of the world of language. We hear and understand something in words. Psychotherapy is an attempt, with words, to help to make sense of the problems we carry inside us and show to others through our behaviour, our feelings and our language – both verbal and non-verbal.

All such treatments, whether carried out by a nurse, psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist, who have received extra training in psychotherapy, or by trained psychotherapists who are approved by the BAP (British Association of Psychotherapists) or UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), use words as the main way of communicating, even if the person does not speak or use signs. Sometimes a person may need extra help at the same time as therapy, for example medication or extra support at home.

With some adults with severe physical and/or learning disabilities, the therapist includes drawing materials and a range of objects that add to communication ability. For example, Sara Jones, aged 40, a woman with severe learning disabilities and physical disabilities, became depressed after a fall on her bathroom floor. She had no spoken speech and understood little language. However, because her therapist included a doll’s house complete with furniture, she was able to demonstrate the act of falling over in the bathroom.

‘Getting through’ sexual abuse will not be quick. People will need time and they may have ups and downs. However, there are important emotional rewards for people entering this treatment, including managing their life and feelings more easily. They may need help to go to their therapy sessions. Their supporters will need to understand that the person’s sessions are private even if the person is upset before or after the sessions. Supporters will also need to remember that therapy cannot be the sole source of support.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.