Jones, V & Haydon- Laurelut, M. (eds.) (2019) Working with People with Learning Disabilities: Systemic
Melanie is a consultant clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist. She used to lead an older adults psychology and psychotherapy service in London, expanding its systemic arm by establishing four borough family therapy teams. She worked in the NHS for over 30 years and now works independently. Email:
melanieshepherduk@yahoo.co.uk
Approaches. London: Red Globe Press. Book review by Joanne Hipplewith
The book is true to its content. The
chapters are structured to enable the multiplicity of readers and professionals working with this population to access and include services users in their off er of help in various forms more easily. The chapters off er good practical
examples that increase the usability of the book, making it easy to apply ideas in work settings. It does not assume prior knowledge of systemic approaches. It supports beginners in thinking systemically about the power dynamics, foregrounded in work with learning disabilities. It is a practical book that has short chapters that can be read in any order and allows readers to dip in and out of it. I particularly liked the overall
John is a semi-retired social worker and systemic psychotherapist. He works one afternoon a week for the Older Adults Psychological NHS Service in Canterbury and does a very limited amount of independent work. He has written what he terms a ‘user’s guide’, an introduction to systemic and family therapy. Email:
johnhills47@btinternet.com
sense of inclusivity with the patient/client placed at the centre of the work and care. It is comprehensive in its coverage of a range of settings inhabited by the learning disabled, while paying attention to the structural barriers and risk-management issues. The book subtly, yet powerfully maintains throughout the centrality of the patient/ client. Overall, the book demonstrates the
applicability of systemic ideas and theory both at organisational (working with systems) and practice-based levels (one-to-one or group work). It punctuates creativity and empowerment despite
Context 169, June 2020
structural barriers, such as access to services. The book encourages its readers to think diff erently about how this population could access and engage in services, reducing such barriers. It is a must-have read, not only for
those working with learning disabilities but also for those wanting to understand a little more about systemic ideas. It offers readers the opportunity to reflect on working with people and systems from a position of ‘with’ others and not ‘for’ others.
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Working with People with Learning Disabilities: Systemic Approaches
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