Holding the child in mind: Work with parents and families in a consultation service

Abstract

This paper describes work done in the voluntary sector under the auspices of the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster). Based on the Tavistock's Under-5s model, whole families are offered a series of up to five meetings to explore their difficulties. This application of psychoanalytic concepts to brief work is described technically and organizationally, and is seen as an alternative choice for families, a service which also makes links with colleagues and professionals in the NHS. Three clinical cases illustrate the model, the therapeutic rationale, and our way of working, including telephone contact which is seen as central to the referral process.

Key Words:

• Psychodynamic family therapy
• consultation
• transgenerational impact
• brief focused work
• child/parent psychotherapy