title: The experiences of staff taking on the role of lay therapist in a group-based cognitive behavioural therapy anger management intervention for people with intellectual disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experience of 'lay therapists' of a group-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) anger management intervention.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Staff employed in daytime opportunity services for adults with intellectual disabilities took on the role of 'lay therapist' to facilitate CBT groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  They were trained and supervised by clinical psychologists and interviewed 2-6 weeks after the last group session. Their experiences were explored by means of a qualitative approach, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several key themes emerged from the interview data such as 'hopes and fears', 'having a framework', 'making it work', 'observing progress', 'ingredients of success', 'the therapist role' and 'taking the group forward'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These themes indicate that participants' experiences had been perceived as positive for themselves, the service users as well as the relevant organization although initially the therapist role had appeared daunting.
authors.affiliation: Directorate of Learning Disability Services, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, UK.
authors.forename: Aimée
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stimpson
authors.forename: Biza Stenfert
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Kroese
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: MacMahon
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Townson
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Felce
authors.forename: Kerenza
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jahoda
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Willner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000786:Anger; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013192:Staff Development; D055815:Young Adult