title: Vulnerability and protection talk: systemic therapy process with people with intellectual disability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vulnerability and protection are key concepts within the literature relating to systemic therapy for people with an intellectual disability (ID). This paper explores the processes by which these concepts were discussed in systemic therapy sessions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four videotapes of systemic therapy sessions were evaluated using a qualitative design, incorporating thematic and conversation analysis. The videotapes were drawn from systemic therapy sessions with 3 families with an adult with ID.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vulnerability and protection themes were identified within the content of therapeutic conversations, including protection from the disability and its consequences; protection from peers, siblings, and the world at large; and protection from emotionally sensitive topics. Protective strategies were also used by all system members through the process of therapy. Key strategies were topic switch and reversals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Protection is a key issue. Clinical practice could be enhanced if therapists reflect on the strategies they employ in addressing protection effectively.
authors: Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK. h.pote@rhul.ac.uk
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Pote
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Mazon
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Clegg
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: King