Health Psychology
What is health psychology?
Health psychology is an important part of life at Dorincourt.
Health Psychology:
- Uses psychological theory to understand about health and illness
- Involves supporting individuals to manage their own health
Health psychology is relevant because:
- People with learning disabilities may have additional health problems compared to the general population
- There are health inequalities among people with learning disabilities (Disability Rights Commission, 2006)
- People with learning disabilities have difficulty receiving and accessing health care services
- Health Psychologists focus on encouraging people to cope with physical health problems rather than mental health problems. Health Psychologists aim to support individuals to manage long-term health conditions and disabilities.
Topics that are covered:
- Healthy Eating
- Relationships
- Promotion of healthy living
- Coping with disability
- Pain management
- Consultation and guidance on managing challenging behaviour
- Emotional support for people with mental health problems
Health promotion events
Special event days are held throughout the year, involving every client and members of staff. These are fun activity days covering important topics with a focus on health. So far these have included Healthy Living Day, Active Fun Day, a Self Awareness Day and a Disability Awareness Day. These days are always thoroughly enjoyed and promote the unity of the whole site.
This will involve:
- One-to-one sessions
- Group sessions e.g. men’s/women’s health, mood group and so on
- Teaching and training Staff
- Consultancy
- Health Promotion events
Referrals can be made via Health Psychology to Clinical Psychologists if required.
